Gallery II
Parachute Training
Force
Recon Marines pride themselves because of their qualification in parachuting
and scuba diving.
Both methods of insertion behind enemy lines are essential but had little
use in Vietnam. Lt. Col. W.C. Floyd,
Maj. Anderson and Capt. Jon Shebel kept the unit in a readiness state
by having extensive refresher courses
in these and other methods of entry. Lt. Don Blair, the parachute officer/jump
master for Third Force Reconnaissance
Company made several practice jumps around the camp at Dong Ha, Red
Beach near DaNang and in the sand dunes
near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Although these were not combat
jumps, no area in Northern I Corps was considered
completely secure and there was always an element of excitement and
caution during the jumps. These parachute jumps
served as a motivational tool for the young jumpers working for their
Gold Parachute Wings and much sought after jump pay.
This training was also an excellent preparation for combat jumps if
ever needed.
These
photos compliments of Don Blair
former parachute officer/jump master.
Need
help indentifying these Marines.
Lt.
Don Blair in his younger days. Dong Ha
Final
preparation/inspection for a jump.
This photo sent by Terry McGrady
 |
These
photos submitted by Tim Rados.
Need some help with a few names here.
|
|
 Tim Rados, Gardner in Vieques 1966. |
|
|
 Perkins, Gardner, Rados, Prior, DeMoss, Ukn. |
 Gustafson, Puida, Nick Natzke, Ozzie Austin. |
 Tim O'Brian, Butler. Camp Geiger. |
|
|
 Pridgen, Squid, Tim Rados, Ukn, Ukn. |
 Bill Pridgen, Tim Rados, Ukn, Ukn. |
 John Giberson, Unk, and Bill Pridgen. |
|
|
 Jack Wright. John Giberson, Augie Zaggora, Wilbur Case Ed Oliver, Dan Prior, Bill Stroup, March 1966. |
|
|
|
March 1967. Team "Swamprat" Photo
taken by Carl Nielsen |
Please contact Webmaster for corrections / info.Steve Shircliff
