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Veterans Forum

Welcome to the Mount Lebanon High School Message Forum.

WELCOME TO THE VETERAN'S FORUM

Most of us know of the sacrifice made by our classmate, William David Morgan, who heroically gave his life in Vietnam in 1969.  As far as we know at this time, he is our only classmate killed in Vietnam.  As a recipient of the Medal of Honor presented by the Congress of the United States of America, he deserves our respect and our gratitude

 

Along with honoring William David Morgan, this forum is designed to provide an opportunity for others of us who served to share memories and photos about their time of service.

This forum is open as well to any other classmate who wishes to post a comment or share a memory about a classmate they know who served our country.

Our purpose is to recognize and honor those who have served, not to revisit wounds from the past.

Thank you to all of our classmates who have served this country.

MARCH 29 
Proclaimend Vietnam Veteran's Day

____________________________________________

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

March 29, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon.  Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars.  Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true.  Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

 

************* A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM DAVID MORGAN***********

                                                                              

                                                                                  A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon.
                                                            William D. Morgan, Medal of Honor recipient
Born                         September 17, 1947
                        Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died February 25, 1969 (aged 21)
KIAQuang Tri ProvinceVietnam
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1966-1969
Rank Corporal
Unit 2nd Battalion 9th Marines
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

CORPORAL WILLIAM DAVID MORGAN
United States Marine Corps

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandegrift Combat Base, one of the squads of Corporal Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded Marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Corporal Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Corporal Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow Marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Corporal Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

       /S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

Additional Information

One of the Marines that was saved by William Morgan that day is Robert "Bob" Ballou of Redlands, California. One of the Marines KIA was Robinson Santiago who was directly behind Bob Ballou.

[edit] In memory

The name of William David Morgan is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 31W Line 054[1] There is a small memorial to him at Mount Lebanon High School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
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01/01/16 03:17 PM #62    

 

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Kirk, thanks for adding your beautiful comments.  Very touching.  I know we are all grateful for the men and women who have served our country well....so many from our own class.  Happy new year everyone!

 

 


01/02/16 12:10 PM #63    

Susan Devlin

Absolutely beautiful salute, Kirk.  Thank You.


01/06/16 04:01 PM #64    

 

Kirk Allen Thompson

In 1982 I lived in Trinidad CA. My business helped sponser the 4th of July fireworks display at the College of the Redwoods stadium. There were 15,000 or so there. There was a ceremony honoring each branch of the military. Following this the announcer asked if everyone in the audience who served during Viet Nam would please stand, there were about 200 of us. Everyone broke out clapping and whistling and cheering for us. I stood there with the biggest smile on my face with tears running down my cheeks. It was the first time I had ever been thanked. I still can't tell this without tears. It was simply grand! God bless us everyone. Rest gently noble warriers.

Kirk Thompson

 


01/07/16 08:22 AM #65    

 

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Kirk, that was, unfortunately, so true of that time - it was so conflicting with that war.  I only hope in your heart that you know how many of us are so grateful to you and the other brave men and women (boys and girls, really) who risked their lives.  I THANK YOU!!

 


01/14/16 01:39 PM #66    

 

Chuck Jordan

Hi Kirk, I am very touched by your posts. I'm sure that all who are on the wall would have loved that scenery,I've been there and it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. It's been here in Albany, NY and it is moving to see. I saw Bill's name as well as Tom Bird's and Rich Lacey's. They were the reason that I volunteered. I've worked very hard to put behind me (NOT MY SERVICE) but the way we were treated every time I came home on leave, but also for years after discharge. When asked, we did our duty for our country. I've long since put away the bitterness in my heart and hold no malice to those who disagreed with the war other than Jane Fonda. After all what makes America different that when we serve our country we serve all americans, even those that disagree with us. I really feel that one of the legacies of the Vietnam conflict is that we treat the young men and women who have served since then with respect for their service. That is what I am most proud of especially today. I'm ashamed that Veterans Day is not a national holiday. In my 42 years in the workforce I never once was able to attend a parade to salute other veterans without having to take personal time. I wish you well my friend!


02/03/16 08:36 PM #67    

 

Kirk Allen Thompson

Thanks for your kind words Chuck. I was walking through Miami International in my whites in 1970. After getting his father's encouragement ran up to me and screamed "baby killer", spit on me and ran back to his seat very pleased with himself. In that moment I realized that we did what we did to give that kid the freedom to do that. It's different when your ass is on the pointy end of the stick. Never regreted my service, never will. See you pal.


03/20/16 12:01 PM #68    

 

Robert Charnell

I understand how you felt Kirk.  When I rotated back stateside in June 1970 from Vietnam, I was processed through Okinawa, then El Toro air base outside of LA.   There were several busloads of Marines being taken from the airstrip to the processing center.   Protesters lined the road shouting obscenities and hurling stuff at the buses.  

At one point they blocked the path of the buses.   These protesters had to be absolute idiots.   They really wanted to confront busloads of returning combat Marines.    Marines started getting off the buses and 'engage' with the protesters.  Engage is the nicest term I can think of.   Not sure the protesters were thinking about the consequences of their actions.   They started running in all directions.   It took a few dozen Shore Patrol police to break up the melee.

Not one of my nicest remembrances from those days.

 


03/21/16 02:57 PM #69    

 

Richard L. Montgomery

Kirk and Rob, I too have some "interesting" recollections.  After a year with the 101st Airborne in the A Shau Valley, fighting NVA regular army veterans, I came home through Seattle (SeaTac at the time, I believe).  As we walked into the terminal there was a group of protestors waiting with signs etc.  A girl whom I would have gladly dated prior to my service (lovely hippie chick) spat on me as I passed.  Peace and love were both AWOL.


03/22/16 12:42 PM #70    

 

Robert Charnell

I never regretted joining the Marine Corps in 1967.  I had a deferment because I was enrolled at Pitt.  I got tired of some students at Pitt creating a rukus about the war back then.  My brother was already serving in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Chu Lai, Vietnam.  I didn't have to volunteer for a 4-year stint, and my mother went absolutely hysterical when I came home and informed her.  I was 18 and she couldn't really talk me out of it.  It wasn't one of my more memorable moments to be sure.  I was pretty insensitive when I think back on it.

Back then 2 brothers could not both be in Vietnam at the same time, not like today.  My brother was making the Marine Corps a career and had to be redeployed to Okinawa when I rotated in-country to Vietnam in June 1969 through Okinawa.  Only time we ever got together in the 4 years I served.  I remember in May 1970, I was still recovering from malaria I had contracted, and heard about Kent State students had being shot by National guardsman.  I had already been in Vietnam for 11 months by then and my attitude about the war had changed.  Most of the Marines around me at the time also thought badly about what the National Guard had done to the students.  It just wasn't right.  The consensus was that if National Guardman wanted to shoot someone send them to Vietnam, not take it out on protesting students who didn't want to go to Vietnam.  Just my thoughts from back then for I had changed.


03/28/16 11:02 PM #71    

 

Lois J. Wilson

In the Ft. Lauderdale SunSentinel today there was a frontpage article about the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, which will be celebrated on March 29th and 30th.  The date honors the day the last troops left southeastern Asia.  The proclamations and ceremonies are intended to honor those veterans who served in the Vietnam War.  According to the paper, 1 out of every 3 veterans living in Florida served in Vietnam. This amounts to more than 500,000 men and women.

A spokesman for the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs said, "It's an opportunity to thank our veterans who were not thanked for their service when they initially came home.  It is time to recognize them now."   I could not agree more.

To those classmates who served in southeast Asia, thank you again for your service. Time may not erase the searing wounds inflicted on you.  But we can certainly take time now to thank you for your bravery and your willingness to serve your country. This honor is long overdue, but I join with those who worked to set aside this day, and honor you for stepping up to the call to service!

Thank you!

Lois Wilson 

 

 


03/29/16 11:04 AM #72    

 

Paul Yeager

Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

Most states celebrate “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 29 or 30 of each year. Though there is some debate, March 29 is generally viewed as a more appropriate date, as it marks the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973.

_______________________________________________

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

March 29, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon.  Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars.  Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true.  Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission.  It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved.  It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear.  From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation.  Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade.  More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation.  Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict's greatest cost.

Our veterans answered our country's call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam.  Yet, in one of the war's most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected -- to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example.  We must never let this happen again.  Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations:  to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us.  Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return.  Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA


03/29/16 01:01 PM #73    

 

Robert Charnell

Wow, I didn't know 33% of all Florida veterans served in Vietnam - that's amazing.  Thank you to both Lois and  Paul for the update on the newspaper article and presidential proclamation. 

I now have another day to celebrate - my brother always calls me on November 10th each year, the Marine Corps' birthday.

Thanks again..  


03/30/16 01:21 PM #74    

 

Elaine F. Marian (Albarano)

I agree that the honors for the Vietnam veterans are well deserved and sadly long overdue.  About three or four times a year my husband and I go with a group from the Sarasota Florida Elks to the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in St. Petersburg and we bring lunch for the long-term patients, their families and the hospital staff.  Many of the men are Vietnam Vets and Korean Vets and there are still a few from World War II.  It is a very rewarding day and although the veterans all say thank you to us, we are the ones who are most thankful to our veterans.


03/31/16 09:15 AM #75    

 

Robert Charnell

Elaine, that's such an inspiring and sensational thing to do for veterans.  You should be commended for your service in helping them.  My hat is off to you, your husband, and others.  Thanks for sharing.


04/05/16 12:15 PM #76    

 

Chuck Jordan

As I was a junior year transfer from South Catholic and as I did my younger years at St. Bernards I did not get to know a lot of you in my years at Lebo. However when I visit this forum I consider all of you who served as my Brothers. I am always touched by the comments shared here and very much touched by the messages of thanks  by all who have commented for our service. I consider this a place for family! Thanks to all!

 


04/13/16 11:38 AM #77    

 

Paul Yeager

 

This PBS documentary is in production and will be released in 2017.

 

The Vietnam War


The Vietnam War, a film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, is a ten part, 18 and a half hour documentary film series that sheds new light on the military, political, cultural, social, and human dimensions of a tragedy of epic proportions that took the lives of 58,000 Americans and as many as three million Vietnamese, polarized American society as nothing has since the Civil War, fundamentally challenged Americans’ faith in our leaders, our government, and many of our most respected institutions, and called into question the belief in our own exceptionalism.

 

More info at:    http://kenburns.com/films/vietnam/

 

 

 


05/30/16 02:00 PM #78    

 

Chuck Jordan

Please think about the following people who we're freinds or brothers of friends on mine from Mt. Lebanon:

Cpl. William D. Morgan, rifleman, fire team leader and squad leader, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.; USMC, (MOH), KIA  in Operation Dewey Canyon south of Vandergrift Combat Base on 25 February 1969, his actions saved the lives of 2 of his fellow Marines and led to the overtaking on the NVA position  - please take a moment today to read his MOH Citation

1st Lt. Thomas A. Bird, USMC, helicopter pilot, HMM-363, 1st MAW;  KIA, date of loss 21 March 1966; AT 21;1610 hours, thirty UH-34D's from HMM-261, HMM-363 and HMM-364 escorted by 4 armed UH-IE's of VMO-6 lifted 2 companies plus a command group (405 troops) of 3rd Bn., 1st Mairnes from Ky Ha Air Facility to an unsecure LZ as BS 494 806. Automatic weapons and .50 cal fire was recieved from numerous areas surroundind the LZ, hit by a severe burst of fire the helicopter rolled inverted and crashed at BS 495 815, Lt. "T. Bird's" co-pilot, 1st Lt. noah M. Kraft, pilot,  GySgt. Calvin Chow and GySgt. Benito Igarta Jr. were the crew along with 6 passengers, all but Lt. Bird and Lt. Kraft were killed on impact. Lt. Bird and Lt. Kraft were severly burned and shot but died after evac from the injuries.

SP5 Richard J. Lacey, U.S. Army, Long lines detachment South, Regional Communications Group, 1st Signal Brigade; MIA, TET Offensive, date of loss 31 January 1968; SP5 Lacey and SP4 William Charles Behrens left the Phu Lam on the road to Cu Chi passing thru Cholon while attempting to reach Regional Communications Group Saigonto relays the many calls for help from areas under seige when their jeep came under heavy maching gun fire. Later as the area was cleared of the enemy, Williams body was found but no trace of Richard was ever found. It is presumed that Richard was taken prisoner and was never heard from again.

Walter J. Lacey, U.S. Army, Richards brother who because of his brothers loss was exempt but joined anyway, recently deceased he was never the same after his brothers loss and his service.

It is good to know the stories of those we knew who gave their all for their brothers in arms in defense of our country not only in our war but in all wars. Grandfathers, fathers, sons, daughters,and friends.Hold them close in your hearts as you celebrate today.

Also please remember all who are in harms way this very day protecting us and our families from all enemies both foriegn and domestic!

I salute you all!

With greatest regards, Chuck

 


05/31/16 10:24 AM #79    

 

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Chuck, your message brought tears to my eyes.  Of course, Bill was the only one I knew personally, but when you think of those young lives suffed out in a jungle...wow, it gives pause, and brings gratefulness for their sacrifice.  Thanks for reminding us of what yesterday was really all about.  See you in a couple of months........

Devon


05/31/16 01:38 PM #80    

 

Lyn K. Morander (George)

It's good to remember that all the names on walls and tombstones are so much more than names....thanks for the reminder!


11/11/20 08:13 AM #81    

 

Robert R. Todd

This 1969 photo of Phil Johnson is self explanatory. I'm sure there are other Vietnam Vets who can identify with it. I didn't post it earlier thinking Phil would be somehow upset. But I doubt that now. This is Veterans Day and I thank Phil and all our classmates who served and are Veterans!


05/30/22 12:28 PM #82    

 

Chuck Jordan

On this solemn day we remember not only Bill Morgan, but also Let. Tom Bird, KIA Vietnam, and SFC Richard Lacey, MIA and later designated KIA Vietnam. It is great that we have posted Bill's after action report above. We who knew him were aware that he was a really nice guy that seemed to cross the " click lines". I was a transfer from South Catholic with very few of the relationships that most of you had, but Bill was always outgoing with me.
If any of you have some time, take a minute to look up the after action reports for Tom and Rich.
I wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day

05/31/22 02:39 PM #83    

Martha A. Mamula

We should also remember Lt. David M. Thompson. (Class of '64) He lived up the street from us, delivered our newspaper, and mowed our lawn. He was the quarterback for the footabll team. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968. David married Ruth Gottschalk (Class of '65) He was a fighter pilot. David was killed in 1972 when his plane went down in the Gulf of Tonkin, short of returning to the aircraft carrier Hornet. 


05/31/22 04:04 PM #84    

 

Paul Yeager


Hey Chuck,  At the same moment that you were posting a remembrance for Bill, Tom and Rick, I was paying my respects at the Traveling Wall (WWI museum in Kansas City) and taking these  images. I apologize for not remembering Rick and not knowing about David Thompson.  I feel it is the responsibility of each generation to at least know the names of those from their generation who perished serving their country.


05/31/22 04:08 PM #85    

 

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Thanks to all of you who are posting memories of those we knew and cared about and those we didn't, but still cared for who went to do what may have resulted in the ultimate sacrifice.  As I look at our world today, I only wish some of our "leaders" had/have the courage that these young men and women did at that time.  For many years I have been a part of Honor Flight, an organization that flies World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the many memorials dedicated to theirs' and others' service.  Each time at the airport, I cry (no longer wearing mascara on those days!) and think of my Dad.  We have been able to honor all of  the WWII vets in our area, and have moved on to the Korean War vets and are now able to fly those who served in Veitnam.  The tears are just as great, as I realize these folks are our era, and they never got the welcome home they deserved.  They should certainly see the monument that has been erected to those who didn't come home and hopefully know that they are appreciated.  To all my classmates who served, a very heartfelt and grateful thank you.  


06/01/22 08:51 AM #86    

Pete DiNardo

Hi folks,

Most of you will not recognize my name. Sue Devlin kindly added me to your class because I teach at the High School since 1997, though I started teaching in 1987. I taught at least one child on this thread, but am not sure if I have taught others - and my apologies if I did.

Sue included my because I had a sabbatical in Jannuary 2021 and focused my time researching Lebo - on many topics. One major one involves producing a film to honor Corporal Morgan. I have been fortunate enough to interview five of your classmates (and to have taught with Kenny Wentzel and Paul Kmec, whom I stay in touch with as I am close with his daughter Kaitlin) who were really close to him, and plan to use this summer to produce the film, and then (hopefully) premiere it on November 10th. 

In that premiere, I also plan to, via lecture and slides, present short overviews of the other 11 Lebo men who died while serving in Vietnam. I have a decent amount of information on them, but because some of you knew them, if you are willing, please consider allowing me to interview you. 

If you have an interest in talking, and if you permit, I would like to record your comments (audio is fine) so I can be spot-on acurate. Feel free to email me at pdinardo@mtlsd.net. 

I would love to capture your memories on other aspects - among them forcing girls to kneel to see if their skirt touched the floor. I have found infromation about a protest launched by 10-girls in roughly 1960 to win the right to wear blue jeans to school:) If you'd only see the way kids dress today... 

Anyway, you all are an inspiration. My memory has failed me greatly and I do not recall much of high school or college but seeing this community is partly responsible for me attending my 35th college reunion this weekend. 

I hope some of you would be willing to help me help keep these men's stories alive for generations to come.

Regards and Thanks,

Pete

 

 

 


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