The FReeper Foxhole Remembers the U.S. Merchant Marine in Vietnam - Jan. 2nd, 2003

USMM ORG ^

[SAMWolf]

Cote, I'm gonna turn you into an information scrounger yet.

Thanks for posting this link.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks for posting the link to the Joe Foss article here.

[occam's chainsaw]

You're very welcome FRiend.

Joe Foss

[SAMWolf]

Merchant mariners, have sailed into harm’s way for the United States ever since 1775, when General George Washington commissioned the commercial vessel Hannah, Brewer said. In 1898, the U.S. fleet that carried out the Cuba invasion with Teddy Roosevelt consisted of 17 chartered ships and two purchased steamers. The crews were merchant mariners.

In 1968 alone, merchant mariners sailing with the Military Sea Transportation Service transported 19 million tons of cargo to Vietnam for the U.S. Army. And in 1990, the merchant marine helped build the “bridge of steel” across the Atlantic to supply U.S. and coalition forces in the Persian Gulf War.

“In every war, in every instance, the merchant marine motto came through loud and clear: We’ll deliver!”

[SAMWolf]

I have learned from the best.

Thank you, having a good student helps.

[The Real Deal]

These mariners were killed by mines, rockets, snipers, and explosions. Some are Missing in Action and presumed dead. They paid the Supreme Sacrifice while serving their country. They should be recognized as veterans. Their names belong on The Wall.

Hi Sam, just got home from work about an hour ago. I couldn't agree with this statement more. This Country needs to take care of ALL of those who have taken care of Her.

[SAMWolf]

Hi Real Deal. My first day back at work too.

How'd yours go?

[The Real Deal]

He was a great man, his passing saddens me. I know he is in a better place now.

[The Real Deal]

Hi Valin, I sharpen my tongue every morning to. Right after brushing what's left of my teeth.

[GailA]

Evening ALL.

[The Real Deal]

It was O.K. Every day is the same, and no two days are alike.

[The Real Deal]

Hi Gail, I hope your day went well.

[The Real Deal]

I've got to go out for awhile. I'll check back in later.

[SAMWolf]

Here too. SSDD!

[SAMWolf]

Good evening GailA.

Think you'll ever run out of great graphics? You have quite the collection.

[PhilDragoo]

My older brother was Class of 1965 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

They sailed their Third Class year ("Sophomore") and he sailed as a graduate. His training was engineering and his service was in the engine room.

He remarked on delivering ammunition to Vietnam in ships "held together by rust and public opinion." That they would be moored off-shore to avoid providing a too-tempting target.

That their rules ashore included avoiding bars not equipped with mesh over the windows to prevent grenades, avoid shoe shine boys and news boys for the same reason.

Regarding later opportunities, he was an engineer for RCA, then a firm of consulting engineers, finally an independent engineer.

He and his wife have now moved into their fifth home, and brought along the tallest flagpole for a radius of several miles from which to fly the American flag.

His choice of the USMMA was for its engineering curriculum which, judging by an examination of his texts, was rigorous.

To keep the engine running to deliver the ammunition was no mean feat, and a skill useful today.

We now recognize the utility of preposition, fast cargo, and roll-on/roll-off.

Here's to the delivery of vast quantities of the world's best ordnance to be delivered by the world's UPS:

United Payback Service

God Bless Our Troops and Veterans and their Families

God Speed Swift Victory and Safe Return from the Mission

SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING TO SADDAM HUSSEIN: Disarming now greatly improves your chances of seeing 2004.

[SAMWolf]

Evening PhilDragoo.

I thank your brother for his service in the Merchant Marine!

[Victoria Delsoul]

These mariners were killed by mines, rockets, snipers, and explosions. Some are Missing in Action and presumed dead. They paid the Supreme Sacrifice while serving their country. They should be recognized as veterans. Their names belong on The Wall.

May they rest in peace. Glad bless them.

Thanks so much for this thread, Sam.

[Eastbound]

Thanks for the ping. The good die young. No matter how old they are, it's still too soon.