Veterans' Day 2015 Pt 2 - My Final Trip to Vietnam - USS Constellation

A highlight of the 2015 Veterans Day was my grandson Chase choosing me to honor on his school's Veterans Day Wall of Honor. 

My last Vietnam cruise was full of turmoil before we ever left the dock in San Diego. We were met by protesters from the time we arrived in San Diego from our home Air Station in Lemoore, California and it continued until we finally were out to sea. Even while clearing the bay we were surrounded by boatloads of protesters. It's bad enough that we were all leaving our families and going somewhere we didn't want to go but we have to do it while being targeted for doing our duty. They even provided a place for sanctuary for sailors who refused to leave when the ship sailed. 
            

I was already frustrated to be going again because the military was allowing service men to get out early because the war was "winding down" and they were reducing the armed forces levels. Of course in typical military fashion, I wanted to get out early since I would only be gone for less than half of the cruise and would then be shipped back to Lemoore for my discharge. Prior to departure I had requested to be released early so that I could start school. I was denied because my "rate was critical to the mission of the ship". Needless to say, it caused a lot of frustration because as I mentioned, so many people were being released early.  

Here word for word is the response to my early release request. Keeping in mind that they were giving up to six month early outs to people at the time:
This was given to me on December 6, 1971 by my Commanding Officer. It was written on November 30, 1971 at the office of the Chief of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. 

"Subj: Early release to attend college.

1. By reference (a) you requested to be separated from the naval service on 28 December 1971, 30 days prior to your college registration date. Because the Chief of Naval Operations has delegated authority to the Chief of Naval Personnel to administer early out programs, the final action on your request is the responsibility of the Chief of Naval Personnel and action has been taken as outlined herein.

2. Your request is sincerely appreciated and has been carefully reviewed. It should be noted, however, that the provisions of reference (b) set the maximum early release date for the purpose of attending college as 30 days prior to a class convening date. In your particular case, the earliest possible separation date would be 7 January 1972. Additionally, reference (b) provides Commanding Officers with the final decision on any request submitted by a man who is eligible for a college early release. As the authority closest to a command's manning and operational needs, he is in the best position to determine whether the early release of an individual will adversely affect combat readiness. These provisions are based on Department of Defense policy which applies to all branches of the Armed Forces. To maintain the integrity of the college early release program and, at the same time, provide fair treatment for all personnel who apply for early release to attend college, waivers of any of the provisions of reference (b) are not granted. Accordingly, the action of your Commanding Officer is reaffirmed and your request for separation on 28 December 1971 must necessarily be disapproved. As indicated by the first endorsement, it appears that release in January vice your EAOS of February will still permit registration.

3. It is sincerely regretted that favorable action could not be taken on your request. It is hoped, however, that your realization of the fact that early release to attend college is a privilege to be granted in individual cases and not an automatically approved request will help you understand the necessity of this decision. Furthermore, it is sincerely regretted that this action may inconvenience you and it is hoped that your desire to further your education will not be affected."

Here is a copy of my original request that went up the chain of command.

My reasoning for wanting to get out when I requested was in order to find a place to live in Southern California, find a job and get my family moved before I started school for the spring semester. Combat Readiness - Sounds noble doesn't it. Here are the actual facts of my release. On January 6 I was given orders to the Philippines for transfer back to Lemoore Naval Air Station my home base where I would be released. My release date was going to be January 17th as opposed to my original discharge date of February 5th. The reason given for the termination of my enlistment, "Reduction in authorized strength". 

When I arrived back at NAS Lemoore the assigned me to a duty of cleaning and painting barracks. I refused to do it. Told them I would check in every morning and if they needed me for anything else they could call me at home. I was going to spend the time getting my family ready for relocation not doing some BS busy work. There were no repercussions so I guess I was fortunate.

I didn't start school that Spring but I did go back and finished both my AA at Mt. SAC and my BA at Cal State Fullerton by working full time and going to night school. In the meantime as I said earlier the military was giving cuts up to 6 months early for reduction in strength. 

Veteran's Day 2015

Al Maples - Vietnam War Veteran

Recently each year on Veterans Day I try to write something about friends or family who have served. As I wrote in a previous post I had the opportunity to catch up with and visit with an old friend, Al Maples. Many years ago I had read a description of how Al received a Silver Star while serving in Vietnam. I have never forgotten that and have always been impressed by how heroic he was. Al and I were best friends all through high school and ran one season of college cross country together before he went into the army. Nothing that happened in our years growing up together would have even hinted that Al would one day be a hero and to me that makes it even more impressive. Al did what he needed to do and for that reason I wanted to honor him in my blog this year. When I visited Al and his wife Patty I was able to get a copy of his Silver Star Award citation and here is what it said, word for word:

"Specialist Four Maples distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 January 1969 while serving as a squad leader with Company E, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when the reconnaissance platoon of Company E came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, Specialist Maples spotted two of the enemy and directed effective machine gun fire toward them. He then advanced toward the entrenched enemy and successfully silenced the position with hand grenades. Shortly thereafter, an incoming mortar round landed in the middle of the platoon command post and seriously wounded several members, including the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant. Specialist Maples immediately assumed command and began coordinating medical evacuation, first aid and security efforts. His calm and competent actions under trying circumstances inspired the remaining members of the platoon and saved many lives. Specialist Four Maples' outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."

I'm proud to call Al a former teammate and lifelong friend and honored to share his story of heroism. We never know where our heroes will come from or what will bring out that heroism and that's why when someone does demonstrate the willingness to risk it all for others they should be honored.