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21 January 1967 - Camp Frenzell-Jones, Home of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam

1/18/2017

The sign at Camp Frenzell-Jones Courtesy of Robert J. Gouge

I first drove through the main gate of Camp Frenzell-Jones, Long Binh, in October of 1968, and often wondered about the two names. The contemplation of whether it was one soldier had crossed my mind and I thought, who would ever name their child Frenzell. It took me several trips through headquarters of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade to realize, indeed, that the camp was named for two men.

This week will be the fiftieth anniversary of the deaths of PFC Herbert E. Frenzell and SGT Billy C. Jones, killed in action on 21 January 1967. Much has transpired since then. I was able to obtain Herb Frenzell's film footage through his mother, and Pia and I have become close, personal friends with Billy Jones' wife and his two daughters. Our book, "CAMP FRENZELL-JONES: Home of the Redcatchers in Vietnam", which tells the story of these two brave soldiers, and how the 199th got to Vietnam, was launched in Columbus, Georgia, this past June 2016 where Pia and I met 1SG Jim Diamond, the senior NCO of Company A, and other original members of the 199th units that deployed on the USNS Sultan and the USNS Pope.

Herb Frenzell on board the USNS Sultan 1966 Image from Frenzell's 8mm film footage

Billy C. Jones takes a break during a patrol in III Corps. Image taken from Frenzell's 8mm film footage.

Needless to say, Frenzell and Jones were not the only members of the 199th to die in Vietnam, but their selfless service and the camp named in their honor epitomizes all those who served with the 199th.

Pia and I are privileged and proud to have been able to preserve a small part of the entire history of this outstanding infantry brigade, and to honor the memory of Herb Frenzell and Billy C. Jones.

Our thanks to all members of the unit who have read the book and have gotten back to us with their kind comments and appreciation.

Pia and I continue to work on the memorialization project and because of researcher/veterans Don Smith, Les Hines, and Bill Kindred, we are learning about new locations named in honor of the fallen which we are researching for future publication.

In addition to our book "CAMP FRENZELL-JONES", we have also paid tribute to these fine young men on page 139 of "IN HONOR AND MEMORY".

16 September 1965 - PFC James I. Boyer, US Army

9/16/2016

Not all memorializations in Vietnam were big installations such as a camp or a compound. During our research, Pia and I came across several smaller memorials that were placed at locations within Vietnam. One such memorial was Moreau Bowl, a metal bowl engraved with a dedication to the men of Project DELTA who were killed in action. The bowl, which sits in the Po Nagar Towers in Nha Trang is named in honor of Sergeant Eugene R. Moreau, a senior advisor, killed in action by small arms fire on 27 August 1966 (see "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" page 281).

Another memorial, which has always intrigued our curiosity, is a couple of bookcases, each with a memorial plaque, donated to the Phuc Am Orphanage School in Saigon by members of the 223d Quartermaster Company. The Boyer Bookcases were dedicated in memory of U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) James I. Boyer, the first member of the 223d Quartermaster Company to die in Vietnam on 16 September 1965 (see "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" page 42).

US Army photo

We have often wondered whether the bookcases survived, or whether the Phuc Am Orphanage School still exists. One veteran with a contact in Saigon, told us his contact could not locate the school. Whether the Boyer Bookcases still stand, containing books for the children, we, today, remember with great pride, PFC James I. Boyer and his dedication to duty.

Operation STARLITE - Vietnam

8/15/2016

Operation STARLITE, the first major Marine Corps operation in Vietnam, was launched on 18 August 1965 and lasted until 24 August. A presumptive strike was directed at the 1st Viet Cong Regiment base camp near the village of Van Tuong, 15 miles from Chu Lai. On the morning of 18 August, a large number of US troops, including four Marine battalions (3d Battalion, 3d Marines; 2d Battalion, 4th Marines; 3d Battalion, 7th Marines and 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Special Landing Force), a tank and armored battalion, two 105mm cannon battalions, six landing vessels and aircraft launched an operation, advancing toward Van Tuong. After heavy shelling and bombing, US troops were divided into four contingents to attack Van Tuong from four directions. The first contingent from Chu Lai followed the road to Van Tuong while two contingents came from the sea and the remaining contingent landed from the air.

Major Donald Gordon Radcliff, a tanker during the Korean War, by 1965, was flying helicopters for the First Cavalry Division in the Central Highlands. When the site selection committee for the 1st Cavalry Division was exploring locations for possible inclusion of their base camp, the Marine Corps put out a call for all available helicopters in the greater area to support Operation STARLITE, and Major Radcliff and his crew volunteered. He flew from II Corps to I Corps to assist the Marines at Chu Lai. On 18 August 1965, during a Marine Corps troop lift, in which he was participating, Major Radcliff was killed at Landing Zone Blue, and subsequently the First Cavalry Division Base Camp at An Khe was named in his honor (see "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" page 326).

Major Donald G. Radcliff, as a captain, US Army. Photo courtesy of Connell Radcliff

Aerial view of Camp Radcliff, An Khe. Photo by COL Bentley Herbert, USA (ret.)

Meanwhile, at Van Tuong Village, on the border of Quang Tin/Quang Ngai provinces, I Corps, Captain Bruce Douglas Webb, company commander of India Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, was killed by a Viet Cong feigning death who hurled a grenade while Captain Webb was admonishing a platoon sergeant for shooting "already dead" Viet Cong. Captain Webb was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic leadership in earlier outflanking the enemy, and setting an example of calmness and courage during the operation. Camp Bruce E. Webb, Chu Lai, was ultimately named in his honor (see "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" page 422) .

Bruce D. Webb Photo by Northwest University Library (Arts 1955)

Camp Bruce D. Webb, Chu Lai, Quang Tin Province

L/Cpl Joe C. Paul, US Marine Corps

Also, on 18 August 1965, Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Joe Calvin Paul was serving with Hotel Company, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines when, after his unit was pinned down by enemy fire, sustaining several casualties, he advanced between the enemy positions and his fellow Marines, laying down suppressive fire until his comrades could be evacuated. L/Cpl Paul was hit by enemy fire. He died the following day on 19 August 1965. The Medal of Honor was posthumously awarded to him and the USS Joe C. Paul (FF-1080), launched on 20 June 1970, was named in his honor (see "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" page 305A).

Operation STARLITE involved approximately 5,500 US Marines. Ultimately, the 1st Viet Cong Regiment and their supporting units were decimated. Our US forces suffered 51 killed and 203 wounded. It has been an education for us to learn and write about Operation STARLITE; Major Radcliff, Captain Webb and L/Cpl Paul, and this week we remember their sacrifice and dedication to duty.

Dale R. Buis and Chester M. Ovnand

7/8/2016

From Left to Right: Howard Boston, Chester M. Ovnand, Dale R. Buis, and Victor W. Gorlinsky, members of MAAG Vietnam

July 8, 2016 - On this 57th Anniversary of the death of Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand, who were killed at the hands of the Viet Cong, at the BIF Compound in Bien Hoa on 8 July 1959, we are reminded of sacrifices of the early MAAG personnel, and the survivors of that attack, Howard Boston and Victor Gorlinsky, who played a major role in my 2012 book "FIRST ON THE WALL".

In the last two years, I have been privileged to know CW3 Doug Conklin, who, while stationed at Killen, Texas, as a young soldier under the command of First Sergeant Chet Ovnand, held Chet in high esteem. Doug and I have become fast friends and he often mentions Master Sergeant Ovnand with fond memories, explaining that Chet was a tolerant senior NCO, who kept Doug out of trouble more than once. Doug lives here in Florida, not too far from me, and we get together on occasion to talk about the Army and the good ole days. He's a bright spot in my life and I am always enthusiastic about what he has to say and the stories that he tells. At some point in the future, I may be sharing some of Doug's stories on this blog.

CW3 Doug Conklin, USA (ret.) with good friend Ray Bows

Major Howard Boston and LTC Victor Golinsky survived the 1959 attack at Bien Hoa and, as the reader will learn, they were interviewed extensively for "FIRST ON THE WALL".

30 June 2016 - Veterans Memorial Bridge, Daytona Beach, Florida

7/3/2016

While in attendance at the Veterans Memorial Bridge groundbreaking ceremony, Ray handed out copies of his latest book "Camp Frenzell-Jones" to officials and friends. The bridge, designed and approved by the County of Volusia, is to be named in memory of Tom Staed, a Korean War veteran. Completion of the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge is due approximately 32 months from today.

"The new high-level, multi-arch concrete bridge construction project will replace the existing drawbridge, which is more than 60 years old. The $38 million construction contract is funded by the federal government and being completed by Johnson Bros. Corp. Design elements of
the new two-lane bridge include handicap accessibility, 8-foot sidewalks, fishing piers on both sides of the Halifax River, and plaques at 28 scenic overlooks commemorating conflicts in America’s military history. The plaques will include descriptions of conflicts and outcomes; the number of killed, wounded and missing in action; a QR code linked to additional data; and a Braille plate with information."

Ray stands beside VFW Florida State Commander, Alan Ayoubee

Ray and good friend Gerald Bozarth stand with Eric Dietrich of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office

A group of Volusia County veterans stand at the base of the old bridge flanked by Eric Dietrich (left) and Ray Bows (right) Photo courtesy of Rod Phillips, VVA Chapter 1048

Special Forces Convention, Jacksonville, Florida, 2016

7/3/2016

SFA President Jack Tobin, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Roger Donlon, and author Ray Bows stand together at the Special Forces Convention, Jacksonville, Florida, June 2016.

On 13 June 2016, we were in attendance at the US Army Special Forces reunion in Jacksonville, where we encountered an old friend, Colonel Roger Donlon, the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. We hadn't seen each other since 2001 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the day before 9/11. The fifteen years between encounters seemed to evaporate as Ray and the colonel spoke of previous meetings at such places like Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and San Antonio, Texas. Ray has written extensively about two of Colonel Donlon's team members at Nam Dong, Master Sergeant Gabriel Alamo and Sergeant John Houston, for whom the Alamo and Houston Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQs) in Saigon were named.

At the reunion, we also met the current president of the Special Forces Association, Jack Tobin, as well as fellow author Andy Winfree; Bob Mulcahy, who shared invaluable information previously unknown to us; Pete Peterson, David "Bulldog" Smith, Pete Laurence, and Johnny King, who was at Nui Coto with Ben Davan, for whom the Davan Compound was named. We shared a table with USASF author and historian Steve Sherman and MAC V SOG historian Jason Hardy. We also encountered Betty, manager of the Special Forces gift shop who agreed to carry "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" at the Special Forces Museum, Fort Bragg, where it is now available in limited quantities.

Above (left): Pia and Major David C. "Bulldog" Smith, President of Chapter 57, share a hug after "Bulldog" kindly shares information of several places in New York named in memory of Major George Cuomo, missing in action (MIA) in 1968.

Above (right): Ray Oden, President of Chapter 33, looks at the BOQ/BEQ section of "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" as he tells Ray Bows and Andy Winfree about his time as a dependent in Saigon when his father was stationed in Vietnam.

Left: Pia with Johnny King, who was at Nui Coto. Johnny knew Ben Davan for whom the Davan Compound (Det. B-55), at Nha Trang was named (see page 92 of "IN HONOR AND MEMORY").

1st Infantry Division Reunion, Atlanta, Georgia, 2016

7/3/2016

On 9 June 2016, we left Columbus, Georgia, and arrived in Atlanta for the 1st Infantry Division reunion, where we received a very warm welcome. During the two days we attended, we met and spoke with many interesting veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

We were introduced, by retired LTC Jim Holland, to Silver Star recipient Israel Tames, member of 1/2d Infantry. Israel had been in the Army since the mid 50's, and before his time in Vietnam was a proficient military skier, who, while stationed in Alaska, made a rescue of people stranded at the top of Mount McKinley way back when most people had never even heard of Vietnam.

Ray Bows stands with Silver Star recipient Israel Tames, 1/2d Infantry, Vietnam

199th Light Infantry Bde 50th Anniversary Reunion

6/28/2016

Between the 6th and 9th of June, we were privileged to be in attendance of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade's 50th Anniversary Reunion. Through the kindness of Jim Brinker and Johnny Valesquez, we were given a prime location within the reunion area to launch our newest book "Camp Frenzell-Jones: Home of the Redcatchers in Vietnam". We met many new friends, many of whom were original members of the unit, who by virtue of the fact that they travelled on the troop ship USS Daniel I. Sultan called themselves the "boat people". First Sergeant Jim Diamond, Frenzell's and Jones' first sergeant, who himself received the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam attended the reunion. We presented a copy of "IN HONOR AND MEMORY" to him, which includes Patrol Base Diamond named in his honor.

Ray Bows displays his Vietnam unit crests and patches, as well as his newest book "Camp Frenzell-Jones" at the 199th's reunion, Columbus, GA

Ray Bows presents a copy of IN HONOR AND MEMORY to First Sergeant Jim Diamond, A Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry

The highlight of our time while there was meeting Billy Jones' wife, Theada, and his oldest daughter, Connie, who both flew long distances to be there with us. We had a delightful lunch with them and, afterwards we introduced them to members of A Company, 4th Battalion, 12th infantry, who knew their loved one Billy C. Jones, posthumous recipient of the Silver Star.

Several original members of the 199th complimented us on the book within a day or so after they had purchased it, including members of B/2/3d Infantry, who were stationed with Gene L. Bettger, KIA 22 December 1966.

Original members of A/4/12th Infantry meet Billy C. Jones' wife, Theada, and his daughter, Connie, for the first time, who had just arrived at the reunion. Pia takes photographs for everyone. From left to right: Dan Less, Pia, Dennis Juliana, 'Buddy', Theada, Connie, Bob Martin, and Sam Toven.

Camp Frenzell-Jones: Home of the Redcatchers in Vietnam - New Release 6 June 2016

4/28/2016

Last year proved to be a successful year with the release of IN HONOR AND MEMORY, enabling us to complete another project that was long over due.

I first learned about the base camp of the 199th Infantry Brigade and for whom it was named, PFC Herb Frenzell and SGT Billy C. Jones, in the 1980's. I contacted Herb's mother, Chilant Frenzell Sprague who furnished me with excerpts from Herb's diary and his 8mm film footage. I later contacted Billy Jones' family, his sister, Ann, and his wife and daughters, Theada, Connie and Dana. Ann furnished me with photographs, while Theada loaned me Billy's letters. We compiled the letters along with information from members of the unit and official records to tell a complete anthology of the 199th's arrival in Vietnam in 1966, which is both a personal and stirring story. The two infantrymen, Herb and Billy, died in January 1967 and the brigade main base at Long Binh was named in their honor.

We are proud to announce that the book, CAMP FRENZELL-JONES will be available for purchase on 6 June 2016, and will debut at the 50th Anniversary of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia. Pia and I are looking forward to meeting and talking with members of the unit. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

Melbourne, Florida Veterans Reunion, April 2016, and Camp Gordon J. Lippman

4/25/2016

We were again able to attend the 29th Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion in Melbourne, Florida, starting with a delicious breakfast at the American Legion Post 81 tent, where we met and had some interesting conversations with veterans Ed, 101st Airborne Division, and Ron, 440th Terminal Transportation Company (TTCO). Ron presented us with his unit patch (440th TTCO - ROAD RUNNER) which we will proudly display on our insignia board that we put on show when we set up with the books. Patch courtesy of Ron Longshore.

We spent time with Joe Craig, at the 1st Cav tent, President of the Florida Chapter, who is doing a great job of keeping the chapter of the 1st Cavalry Association solvent.

Tom at the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association tent told us about Florida Chapter President and author Joe Pond, who was set up with his book, "The 600 m. o. l." After speaking with Lieutenant Pond, we purchased a copy which meticulously pays tribute to black helicopter pilots in Vietnam, with a section on black aviators who lost their lives in combat - information which has not been published anywhere else.

On Saturday we met up with our good friend Bill Robinson, who, in 1965, was stationed with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division at Lai Khe. In late October and November 1965, he helped build the tactical area of operation (TAOR) at Lai Khe. His specific job then became handling unexploded ordnance for the 3d Brigade. "We'd bring dud rounds to our special blasting place and set them off with charges," said Robinson. As his reputation grew, he became known as "Wild Bill" Robinson. "Five and a half months later, before my enlistment as a draftee was up, we had set off so much dud ammo in the blasting pit, it was 10 feet deep and 40 feet around." The base camp at Lai Khe was memorialized in honor of LTC Gordon J. Lippman, who was a personal friend of Bob Hope and who died, 11 December 1965, of wounds received from a sniper's bullet.

We encountered WWII veteran George Norris (88), again, this year, who was in full dress uniform, with his sweetheart. George escorts the Wall into the park each year on his motorcycle. We also saw Phil G., 39th Engineer Battalion, who purchased a copy of IN HONOR AND MEMORY last year, and who shared his incredible photo albums with us. Phil was stationed at LZ Snoopy and had kept letters he wrote and sent from Vietnam, his draft notice, and lots of great photos.

Anyone at the park on Saturday afternoon must have seen the swarm of bees arrive and nest on the trailer hitch in the vendor area - quite an experience. Doc Russo and the other organizers did a great job of removing and relocating the hive.

We also met up with my good friend CW3 Doug Conklin, US Army (ret.), who not only spent many years in the Army as a calibration expert but was a valued employee of NASA during Cape Canaveral Space Missions. On our last day, we also met George P., NMCB-7, who was kind enough to share his NMCB-7 Cruise Book with us, which has become a great asset to our research. Photo below of Doug Conklin and Ray Bows.

Author

Master Sergeant Ray Bows, US Army (ret.) spent twenty years on active duty including overseas assignments in Korea, France, Vietnam, Germany, and Belgium, with TDY to Crete and Italy.

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