At the time of our meeting and interview, Ms. Fate was not doing well. She had just been placed on Hospice and wanted to share about her military service. She was found to be very proud of her service to her country. She also related that she was “the only ‘girl’ member of the local Korean War Veterans Association.” The following is what she wanted to share.
Phyllis M. (Barber) Fate was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1922. Phyllis said that she was born in the family home, in Portland. Her parents are Frank & Rebecca Barber. She has a sister, Beverly (Barber) Steele. Her sister also served in the Navy, as a W.A.V.E. Phyllis attended High School at Gresham Union High School, in Oregon. She graduated from Gresham High School in 1948.
After high school she decided to join the United States Navy, in the W. A. V. E program. She said her parents had no problem with her joining. Her parents felt she was an adult and could make her own decisions. Her sister was already signed up and serving in the military too. She said she never served at the same stations as her sister. Her sister served her time in Boston.
Lt. Phyllis Barber (left) and sister, Beverly (right)
Phyllis joined the United States Navy in 1952. She served for almost 7 years. During that time she was stationed at Long Island, New York for Basic Training; and was later sent to California to work aboard the U. S. S. Haven (AG-12). The Haven was a hospital ship. It had served during the Korean War to receive treat and transport casualties from the war. The Haven was later placed in dry dock in California. There it still functioned as a hospital ship for the military.
While Lt. Phyllis Barber was serving she said she wrote often to her mother and aunt. She said that she stayed busy in her free time by sewing with a sewing group she belonged to. She also remembers a time when her and some friends went to see a movie that was in production, while in San Diego, California.
Phyllis received her training as a Registered Nurse at the Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Phyllis attained the Rank of Lieutenant (j.g.). She also met her husband, William Fate, while she was serving. William Fate is a native of Marion, Ohio. William is a veteran of World War Two, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Phyllis said she also served in Washington, Wisconsin, in a receiving station for new recruits. Here she assisted in medical exams of new recruits. She also spent time at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
William & Phyllis Fate on their wedding day
When Phyllis met her husband, who was in the Marine Corps., she was an officer and he was an NCO. She said since they were not in the same chain-of-command, so the military did not frown upon their relationship. But when she became pregnant, she had to leave service, as the WAVES did not permit them to have dependents.
When her husband, William, retired from the Marine Corps., they relocated to his hometown of Marion, Ohio. William had served for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. He saw service through World War One, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Phyllis and William were married and raised two sons, William and David, in Marion, Ohio. One son also served as a Marine. When Phyllis came to Marion to set up her home, she worked at the Marion Power Shovel on the Shovel’s weekly newspaper. She then returned to nursing at Marion General Hospital as a medical floor nurse, where she retired. Phyllis calls Marion her home. Here she raised her two sons and worked until retirement. Phyllis is very proud to have served her country and still displays here photos from the days she was a Navy Lieutenant.
Matthew Gossard was born in Marion, Ohio. He was raised here and graduated from Elgin High School, Class of 2001. While in high school, Matt participated in football, basketball, cross country, baseball and track. Matt says he was a very competitive young man, he wanted not only to be good at the things he did, but he wanted to succeed and win.
Matt says that he was asked by a friend to come to the local recruiter’s office. Matt’s friend said that Matt only had to come in and speak with the recruiter, he would not be required to fill out any paperwork or sign anything, in order for his friend to gain the day off. He said he only went to help his friend get an extra day off work. Matt said he did listen to the army recruiter and was impressed with what he had to say. Matt states that he was taking some classes at Marion tech and working, but he did not have any definite career path or school plans. After hearing the recruiter, Matt decided to join the United States Army. Matt said it was out of a sense of adventure as well as a patriotic duty.
Matt entered service and attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He started basic training the day President George W. Bush declared war on Iraq. War was declared on 3 March 2003. After basic training he attended the basic infantry course and jump school. Matt would be classified as an 11B-1P. Matt was deployed in August 2003. He was serving with the 3rd/505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division “All American Division.” He was assigned to A Company, 1st Platoon. He held the call sign of Red 2 Bravo.
Deployed to Iraq Private First Class (PFC) Gossard served at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Saint Michael. This was in the city of Mahmudiyah and is located 25 kilometers south of Baghdad. FOB Saint Michael was located on the site of an old chicken factory, giving it the nickname “Chicken Factory.” As this was early in the war, Gossard and his platoon mates had to build up the FOB from scratch. They did not have phones or computers set up for contacting family in these early stages. They had to write old fashioned letters with pen and paper and mail them home to communicate with family. Gossard remembers that even in these early stages of the war, the humvees did not even have armored plating. They soldier would have to scrounge around and find wood to use to improve the blast protection from roadside bombs. He said that family members even sent kevlar clothe through the mail, so they could improve on their protection. The army did eventually get up to speed on the war, but the early days were very spartan.
“Ace of Spades” Captured Gossard remembers when the “Ace of Spades” (Saddam Hussein) was captured. Gossard was part of Task Force All American working in conjunction with Operation Red Dawn. Operation Red Dawn was the operation involving the search and capture of Saddam Hussein.
On the night of Dec. 12th, 2003, my platoon was sent out to a city called Latafiyah, to assist in the capture of Saddam Hussein. We were unable to locate him, due to him being tipped off that we were coming. We went back to FOB St. Michael and got a few hours of sleep. When I woke up early that next morning of the 13th, I was escorting an Iraqi contractor that was pouring concrete on the base. While I was with this man he received a phone call and looked up at me and just started shouting, “Saddam! Saddam!” while making a gesture with his hands like he was in handcuffs. I realized he was telling me that Saddam had been captured early that morning. So that is how I found out that Saddam Hussein had been captured, from an Iraqi contractor.
Gossard Recalling When He Heard Saddam Was Captured
During down time, Gossard said they pretty much did “as boys will do” for entertainment. He said they would through knives, wrestle and goof off. But mostly in the down time they tried to get caught up on sleep, as there was not much time allotted for sleep. Most time was spent improving the FOB, guard duty and patrolling.
Post deployment training at Fort Bragg Once back at Fort Bragg, the battalion resumed training. During a battalion airborne exercise. Gossard, now a Specialist (SPC), would begin a series of experiences that would forever change his life. As he was ready for an airborne jump exercise from a C-17. SPC Gossard experienced series of events that would include his parachute not deploying, his reserve failing to open properly and an entanglement. He landed mostly on his head and upper back while still loaded with his full gear. His parachute lines had him so tightly entangled, that he was unable to release his equipment during his plummet to earth. Gossard tells of the events from waiting as jumper #13, until his impact on the ground, where he briefly lost consciousness, when he tells his story.
Gossard’s injuries would leave him in such pain that he was unable to perform his duties. He says he felt the Army saw him as a failure and instead of trying to repair and restore him, they pushed pain medications to him. Matt was suffering from a traumatic brain injury, multiple herniations to the discs in his back and all on top of trauma from his Iraq deployment. He later realized he had become addicted to pain medications. He was subsequently medically released from the military. Gossard battled not only the physical pain, but the mental pain of not being able to perform tasks that he had previously succeeded in and the addiction and post traumatic response he was experiencing.
Restoration After going into a treatment center in Tennessee, Gossard began to hear from God and was able to respond to God’s offer of restoration. Gossard reestablished the relationship that God offered him and began serving Jesus Christ. Gossard now shares his experience that lead him into this wonderful relationship and encourages others to hear and obey God’s call for reconciliation.
I recommend that all seek out and hear the incredible story that Matt has to share. You can go to the following website to see where Matt is speaking next. https://marionnaz.org/leadership If you are a veteran who is dealing with addiction, depression or PTSD you may contact Matt or the Veterans Crisis Line.
Gossard returned to Marion after his treatments and is living here with his wife and three children. Matt Gossard is the Director of Discipleship at the Marion Nazarene Church, at the time of this posting. He still serves his community through his church and is an encouragement to veterans transitioning back into civilian life and all those struggling with addictions.
Some of the organizations that have helped Gossard over the years:
Frank Edward Townsend was born on 17 April 1921, in Marion County, Ohio. His parents are Frank E. & Virtie I. (Sharp) Townsend. On 28 October 1942, he married Dorothy (Lyon).
Frank E. Townsend entered service on 6 March 1940. He attended naval training at Newport Rhode Island. Townsend served in the United States Navy during World War Two and the Korean War. During World War Two, he saw service aboard the U. S. S. Mackenzie (DD-175), U. S. S. Gregory (APD-3), U. S. S. William Ward Burrows (AP-6), U. S. S. Stevens (DD-479) and the U. S. S. Cassin Young (DD-793).
On 24 May 1940, Townsend was assigned to the U. S. S. Mackenzie (DD-175). From 25 August to 17 September 1940, Townsend saw service with the British Navy.
On 4 November 1940, Townsend was part of the commissioning of the converted Destroyer, U. S. S. Gregory (APD-3). While assigned to the U. S. S. Gregory, Townsend completed his training and was promoted to Machinist Mate Second Class, on 31 January 1942. The Gregory then made it’s way to Panama. Passage was made through the Panama Canal on 2 February 1942. The Gregory then arrived in San Diego, on 14 February 1942, where it underwent overhaul. Townsend and the crew of the Gregory trained the 1st Raider Battalion of Marines, off San Clementi, California. Later, the Gregory sailed to Hawaii, arriving at Pearl Harbor on 14 June 1942. After more training, the Gregory then participated in an attack of the Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. The Gregory was then sunk on the morning of 5 September 1942, at 01:15, while on submarine patrol. The Gregory had been attacked by three Japanese cruisers and one destroyer. The same day the surviving crew departed aboard the cargo ship William Ward Burrows (AP-6).
On 4 September USS Gregory (APD-3) and USS Little were returning to their anchorage at Tulagi after transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island. At 0056 on the morning of 5 September, USS Gregory (APD-3) and USS Little -saw flashes of gunfire which they assumed came from a Japanese submarine until radar showed four targets-apparently a cruiser had joined the three DD’s. A Navy pilot had also seen the gunfire and, assuming it came from a Japanese submarine, dropped a string of five flares almost on top of the two APD’s. USS Gregory (APD-3) and USS Little, silhouetted against the blackness, were spotted immediately by the Japanese destroyers, Who opened fire at 0100. USS Gregory (APD-3) brought all her guns to bear but was desperately overmatched and less than 3 minutes after the fatal flares had been dropped, was dead in the water and beginning to sink. Two boilers had burst and her decks were a mass of flames. At 0123, with all of USS Gregory (APD-3)’s and most of USS Little’s crew in the water, the Japanese Ships began shelling again- aiming not at the crippled ships but at their helpless-crews in the water. All but 11 of USS Gregory (APD-3)’s crew survived, 6 of them swimming through the night all the way to Guadalcanal. USS Gregory (APD-3) sank stern first some 40 minutes after the firing had begun, and was followed 2 hours later by USS Little.
From: Naval History and Heritage Command
Townsend then made his way back to Pearl Harbor, arriving on 28 September 1942. He then was sent to San Diego, arriving on 13 October 1942. He took leave and arrived home in Marion County, on 21 October 1942. While home he married Dorothy (Lyon), on 28 October 1942. He returned off leave 11 November 1942.
Townsend on Right
Townsend was reassigned to the U. S. S. Stevens (DD-479), on 1 December 1942. On 7 December 1942, he was able to return home again on Christmas leave. His wife, Dorothy was able to accompany him to Charleston. After training and escort cruises aboard the Stevens, they would pass through the Panama Canal and arrive in Pearl Harbor in August of 1943. On 1 September, along with 3 cruisers, 1 battleship, 3 light cruisers, 12 destroyers and one tanker, the Stevens arrived and began bombing the Marshall Islands. On 11 September 1943, they participated in the bombing of Japanese installations on Tarawa Islands. They also participated in bombings on Makin Island. The Stevens crossed the equator on the same date.
Townsend then returned to San Francisco for reassignment to the U. S. S. Cassin Young (DD-793). He then received delayed orders and was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, for engineering school at Naval Training Station, Naval Operating Base (N. O. B.). Upon completion of training, he left on 2 December 1943, for San Pedro, California. There he was back for the commissioning of the U. S. S. Cassin Young (DD-793). The Cassin Young was commissioned on 31 December 1943.
While aboard the Cassin Young, CMM Frank E. Townsend kept his own log of the ship’s operations. He logged the ship’s actions from it’s commissioning until the end of wartime service, 31 August 1945.
Excerpt from Townsend’s Log he kept while aboard the USS Cassin Young Oct. 24, 1944 “Great number of enemy planes made attack on [Task Group] 38.3 100 miles from Manila our position. We shot down one plane. U.S.S. Princeton hit by 500# bomb. U.S.S. Reno torpedoed her after she had been abandoned. Picked up 191 survivors. Birmingham damaged.”
While aboard the Cassin Young, Townsend appears to have lost two of his subordinates. They were killed in action. Townsend passed twice through the Panama Canal, crossed the equator, survived the sinking of the Gregory, survived many enemy attacks and still remembered those he served with by keeping records, photos and stories of their service together.
Excerpt of the “end of war” for the USS Cassin Young
“August 21, 1945 Set day behind one day. Tues morning @1130 set clocks back 24hrs. Monday morning 1130. [Crossing the International Date-Line] August 21, 1945 Tuesday Underway. Slowed to 155 @ 1530. @2330 speeded up to 210 R.P.M.S. 22, 1945 Underway 24, 1945 Arrived at Pearl Harbor @1100 25, 1945 Left Pearl Harbor for San Pedro, Calif. Speed 16 knots on Port Engine 31 Arrived @ San Pedro. Completion of Wartime Service Total Plane 16 – Bombardments 4 Suicide planes hit ship 2 Strafed – 1″ Transcribed from Townsend’s own Logs
He attained the rating of Chief Machinist’s Mate. Among his medals were the Asiatic-Pacific Area, 9 Stars; American Area; Good Conduct Medal; European-African Area; Philippine Liberation; American Defense and the Victory Medal World War Two. He was first Honorably Discharged from active service on 5 March 1946.
Frank E. Townsend would serve again during the Korean War. He began service on 15 July 1949. He was assigned aboard the U. S. S. George Clymer (AP-57, AP-27). The Clymer participated in the Inchon Landing from 15 – 17 September 1950. The Clymer would participate in other campaigns during the Korean War until July 1953. He was Honorably discharged again on 18 June 1953.
USS George Clymer (AP-57) returned to Inchon 8 October [1950] to embark Marines, and on 17 October she sailed for Wonsan, where she landed troops the 25th. Departing Wonsan 30 October, she steamed via Yokosuka to the United States and arrived San Diego 24 November. From: Naval Heritage and History Command
For his service during the Korean War, MM1C Frank E. Townsend was awarded the following; Korean Service Medal, 3 Stars; United Nations Service Medal; China Service Medal; and the Navy Occupation Medal (Asiatic).
Frank E. Townsend, like many veterans, experienced the loss of many friends. But during his service, he succeeded in military training, rights of passage (passing through the Panama Canal & Crossing the Equator and the International Date-Line), he faced attack by the enemy and participated in bringing the fight to the enemy. These are just some of the experiences that molded the men that were able to return home and make our communities what they are.
Frank E. Townsend returned to Marion and worked with the Ohio American Water Company. He raised his daughters in Green Camp, Ohio. Frank died in 1982, but is still remembered by those he knew and is remembered by his grand daughter, who shared his memories for this article.
Frank E. Townsend’s is remembered for his military service on the World War Two Memorial Wall at the Marion Cemetery
Michael J. Hardin grew up west of LaRue, Ohio, in Marion County. Mike’s great grandfather, Conrad Hardin, served in the Civil War. Conrad served in Company G, 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the Civil War, he and his wife raised ten children, in a log cabin at the location where Mike grew up. One of these children, Gabril Hardin, served in the Medical Department, during World War One. Mike’s father, Henry Hardin served in the Army Air Corps during World War Two. Henry served in England as an aircraft engine mechanic and instrument repairman for combat aircraft. While in England, Henry met his future wife, Iris (Tucker). He returned to England after the war and married her.
Mike attended school at LaRue, where he played football for the LaRue Indians. He then attended the newly consolidated Elgin High School and graduated in 1965. He said that many young men his age were expecting to be drafted at any time after graduating high school.
Michael J. Hardin was drafted during the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the United States Army, on 6 July 1966, at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. He was then sent to basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was assigned to E Company, 7th Battalion, 2nd Brigade for basic training. The author also attended basic training at Fort Jackson and was assigned to D Company, 7th Battalion, 2nd Brigade; just one company away and almost 20 years later.
Mike said he remembers he has a cousin, Harold Titus, who also served in Vietnam. Harold was wounded and returned after being evacuated by another Marion veteran, Bill Schurch. Many Marion men and women served in Vietnam and would later find shared experiences.
M. Hardin & J. Murphy in Basic; Both From Marion, Ohio
Sgt. Hardin at Ft. Carson
After basic training, Mike was sent to Fort McClellan, Alabama, for advanced infantry training. He was trained as an 11B “Infantryman.” He was recognized for his aptitude and leadership and instead of going directly to Vietnam, he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Non-Commissioned Officers Candidate School. Those that completed this course were considered to be “Instant NCOs.” He was also trained as an 11C “Indirect Fire Infantryman.” Mike completed all of his training successfully. After 23 weeks, he graduated on 4 March 1968, with the rank of Sergeant (Sgt.) E-5, MOS 11B40.
Sgt. Hardin was then assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, with the 5th Infantry Division, as an instructor. As an instructor Sgt. Hardin demonstrated calling in and adjusting mortar fire. Sgt. Hardin was with the 1st. Brigade when they received orders for assignment in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 61st Infantry Regiment (mechanized), 5th Infantry Division “Red Devils.” He recalls arriving in Vietnam, on 22 July 1968, aboard a C-141 with the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment (1/61). He also remembers the smells, heat, humidity and the sound of incoming that met them as soon as they landed in Vietnam.
Boarding in Colorado
The 1st Brigade was under Operational Control (OpCon) of the 3rd Marine Division, I Corps at the DMZ. He would work under the Headquarters Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade. He was to be assigned to infantry platoons as their forward observer. He was to go out with whatever company was heading into the field and operate as their forward observer (FO).
Only minutes after arriving in Vietnam
As an FO, he called in mortar and even artillery fire to support the company. FOs could detect the flash of an enemy weapon and count the seconds until the sound of the report reached their location (sounds travel at 343 meters per second). By knowing their own location and the direction to the target, range could be calculated and artillery fire could be called in on the enemy.
He said that if a man survived 6 months in this position, he would be moved up to a better spot. Sergeant Hardin did survive the assignment and was then assigned as a squad leader in the Mortar Platoon. Later he was moved to become a mortar platoon sergeant. He also earned the designation as an 11C40.
As a leader, Sgt. Hardin wanted to impart on his soldiers that our job was to close with and kill the enemy. However, we must maintain the ability to hold on to our humanity. He also learned that one needs to protect his own spirit by the way he treats others. Sgt. Hardin witnessed men in his section thoughtlessly throwing unused rations to the children; he noticed they threw them into the rice paddies. He recognized that when the children went to retrieve the rations they were damaging the farmer’s crops. This was disrespectful to the children and the farmers in the field. He told his men to give out what they wished, but to hand them down and not throw the rations into the rice paddies. He felt he had to protect his soldier’s morality and keep them spiritually right towards themselves.
LZ Sharon (L-R) Everett L. Page, Hal Strong, Ed Conant, Paul Pinkerton & Mike Hardin
Mike said he kept in touch with his family by writing letters. He said that they would fall back to their base camp and spend time at Wunder Beach in between operations. The soldiers made life in Vietnam as close to home as possible. They had their own Christmas tree sent to him by his Aunt Martha. Later this tree was given to an orphanage in Quang Tri. Mike said he enjoyed reading Hot Rod magazines whenever he got some down time. Mike was also good at keeping a record of his time in Vietnam through photographs. He recorded a description on the back of the photos as well. Mike shared many with the author during our interviews. He kept such a good record of his time in Vietnam, that he was able to contribute to the 5th Infantry Division, Commemorative Book 1917-2019. Many of his photos record the 1/61st time in Vietnam.
Pinkerton and Hardin
During operations in Vietnam, Sgt. Hardin and the 1/61st supported armor (M48 Patton Tanks) from the 1/77th Armored Infantry Regiment along with the infantry platoons. Sgt. Hardin’s job consisted of leading a mortar platoon. Since it was a mechanized unit, they moved in M-106 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC). He said that they could open the tops of these vehicles and fire 4.2in mortars mounted in the tops of the APCs.
Sgt. Hardin’s time in Vietnam did not go without seeing the horrors of war. He would experience nine men being killed in action that were in his company. He also witnessed the horrific injuries that come with combat. Sgt. Hardin was direct by his company commander to take some R&R away from the combat area. He was sent to the U.S.S. New Jersey (BB-62), for three days. the New Jersey’s call sign was “On Rush.” This was also the ship that he could call indirect fire from. He was able to visit the fire control room and see how they operated when receiving his calls for fire. He said he had free reign of the ship and visited all parts of the ship witnessing all the operations for artillery fire.
Goofing Off (L-R) Frank Ferguson, Tom Tomasheski, Mike Hardin
Aboard the USS New Jersey (BB-62)
Sgt. Hardin conducted his job with such distinction, that the 5th Battalion, 4th Artillery awarded him as an “Honorary Artilleryman.” They stated that his exemplary accomplishments of “putting steel on target” earned him their respect and admiration.
One of Sgt. Hardin’s comrades in combat was Paul Pinkerton. The two worked their job in rotation and spent much time together in between operations. They, like many young men with time on their hands, liked to goof off. Mike took many pictures of good memories. They used reclaimed material to build temporary homes at Wunder Beach, to forget about the stress they were under.
Mike also has memories of his platoon leader, who taught him some valuable leadership. While doing a body count some soldiers were posing with the enemy dead as they conducted a clean up and body count on the battlefield.
In September of 1968, while conducting a body count of enemy KIA. Recon Platoon Leader 2nd Lt. David Merrell did not allow the men to disrespect the victims of war. His message was that we must hold on to our humanity and not allow the scars of living to change our souls. Lt. David Merrell later lost his life to enemy small arms fire on 25 October 1968.
From: 5th Infantry Division, Commemorative Book 1917-2019.
Hardin as a Short-Timer
Hardin’s BSM & CIB
Sgt. Mike Hardin returned from Vietnam on 27 June 1969. He served until 1 July 1973, when he was Honorably Discharged. Among the awards earned by Sgt. Mike Hardin are the: Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Bronze Star Medal (BSM), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Medal. He was an Expert Rifleman (M-16), and Expert Pistol (.45 Cal.Pistol).
Mike returned to civilian life and like many other Vietnam veterans made his slow adjustment back to a peacetime life. He has both fond memories of those he served with and heartbreak for the things he saw and was part of. Mike worked for 20 years at Tecumseh Products until its closure. He then worked at Honda of America until his retirement.
Mike was later contacted by his friend from the 1/61st, Paul Pinkerton. Pinkerton had started his own business in Pennsylvania in the flower and florist industry. He was making a trip back to Vietnam and wanted Mike to go. Mike was working and unable to leave. Pinkerton went back to Vietnam and started an orphanage to help the children of Vietnam. His endeavor became successful. While Pinkerton was there he was also able to help recover the remains of five U. S. servicemen. Later, Audry Insoft contacted Mike Hardin and asked him for help in writing a book about Paul Pinkerton’s work. Mike was able to contribute information about their time in Vietnam for the book Devine Fate.
Mike had a close relationship with his father, Henry Hardin. Prior to his dad’s passing they enjoyed carpentry and motorcycling together. His grandfather was even into riding motorcycles. Mike was able to purchase five acres of the family farm where he grew up. It is the place where his great grandfather, Civil War veteran, Conrad Hardin, raised his ten children in a log cabin. There are four acres of woods where his father and family planted 2,400 pine trees in 1979. Mike likes to take walks there just to reflect and relax. He has raised two daughters and now has grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mike enjoys taking time on the family farm and collecting his favorite motorcycles. He as two in his collection that have each been ridden to 49 states by him from LaRue, Ohio. He enjoys taking trips with friends on motorcycles. He spends enjoyable trips with his new love and best friend Marge.
Mike is currently a member of the Society of the 5th Infantry Division, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1117, Veterans of Foreign War Post 3313, and Combat Infantrymen’s Association.
In 2018, Mike Hardin was able to join Honor Flight #92. He said it was really great. He recommends Vietnam Veterans take the trip. The return home from combat for Vietnam veterans was not like other veterans’ returns. They were separated from their units suddenly and found themselves in a society that did not want to welcome them home publicly, if at all. Mike said when the Honor Flight returned to the John Glenn International Airport, it felt like the World War Two returns he saw in pictures and movies. He said it was a really touching moment. There were flags, bands and many friends with signs of thanks and welcome home.
Return of Honor Flight #92 (L-R) Mike Hardin, John Danner, Art Cheney and Willie Wilhelm
Mike has done some post Vietnam work of his own. In the past Mike had made something special to honor the nine members of his company who were killed in Vietnam. He made a memorial that he displays annually in his yard. It has the names of the nine comrades who lost their lives, while Mike was serving in Vietnam. Below you will find the names of these nine heroes. Mike likes to share his experience to honor all Vietnam veterans and does not want their service forgotten.
Hardin’s Memorial to his comrades.
In Memory of those who gave all from HHC, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Division, from July 1968 to July 1969:
1st. Lt. Peter B. Rich KIA 09-15-1968 PFC. Thomas F. Ray, Jr. KIA 10-25-1968 2nd. Lt. David R. Merrell KIA 10-25-1968 Sgt. James L. Lang KIA 11-17-1968 Sp5. Walter D. Smith KIA 03-30-1969 Sp4. Joseph J. Polasek, Jr. KIA 03-30-1969 Sgt. Rex F. Nelson, Jr. KIA 05-10-1969 PFC. Billy G. Waid KIA 05-10-1969 PFC. James R. Thomas KIA 05-10-1969
Thank you to Michael J. Hardin for your service and leadership.
Kathleen Brammer of Marion, Ohio, follows in her family’s standing tradition of military service to country. Her grandfather served in the Army Air Corps and later as a civilian contractor, her grandmother served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, her mother served in the United States Air Force, and her father served in the United States Navy. Kathleen is one of four siblings to serve in the armed forces; she has a brother, who served in both the U. S. Navy and U. S. Army; another brother who served in the U. S. Army; and a sister who served in the U. S. Air Force.
Brammer attended Pleasant High School and transferred to Harding High School for her senior year. While at both Pleasant and Harding, Brammer was part of the marching band’s color guard. During high school, Brammer would also attend Tri-Rivers Career Center, in the Cosmetology program, gaining her Esthetician certification. She was also trained in first aide and CPR. After graduation she decided to follow in her families tradition of military service, by enlisting into the United States Army.
Kathleen Brammer started her basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in early 2020. She would be one of the first groups of trainees to train during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the midst of training the armed forces as well as the rest of the world, would have to begin transitioning into the new and sometimes challenging, COVID precautions era.
When asked how did COVID affect you, she said, “Covid affected basically everything. Our families weren’t allowed to see us graduate either BCT (basic training) or AIT (advanced individual training). I didn’t see my family until I took leave a few months into being in Korea.” She also added, “Masking became routine. It was strange coming back and seeing people not wearing them. And there is a mandatory quarantine of 2 weeks when flying from the US to Korea. I didn’t mind it too much. It was fun, depending on the roommates.”
Brammer said she was able to write and receive letters while in basic training. She said they still used pen and paper, something that may have been foreign to the newer generation. But, mail call has been a lasting and ever cherished event in military service. She also shared that they were allowed 5 minute phone calls as they neared the end of the training cycle. This seems very much unchanged from when the author attended basic training over thirty years ago. Also, similar to past Fort Jackson veterans, she said she had to march and countermarch “Tank Hill.” And she said that she very much “hated it.” Another enduring part of training was the gas chamber and Victory Tower. Brammer said that she was very afraid of heights and the Drill Instructor (DI) could see it on her face. When she was getting in position at the edge of the tower, prepping for her repell, the DI put his boot on her shoulder as if to kick her off “his tower!” Brammer said she completed the confidence training at Victory Tower and would see the real life confidence she gained, while later at her permanent duty station.
After successfully completing basic training, Brammer would go on to Fort Lee, Virginia, for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). She would be trained as a 91-C “Utilities Repairer/HVAC Technician.” Brammer has memories of her and fellow trainees going to the Post Exchange (PX) to get snacks, which were not allowed in the rooms of trainees. They would buy the snacks and hide them all around their waistbands to get them into the quarters for a movie night. A little team building exercise.
After graduating from AIT, Brammer would be assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division “Second to None.” She was sent to her unit in South Korea. In Korea Brammer was promoted to the rank of Private First Class (Pfc.). This was her first experience outside of the United States. She would also have to learn to speak Korean, in order to get around; another first for her.
Pfc. Kathleen Brammer would get to use her new job skills while in real duty situations. She has earned the Army Achievement Medal and multiple Certificates of Recognition, for her successful task completions. One that she shared was when she was able to make repairs needed to a medical vehicle. The vehicle was in need of heating and air conditioning repairs. She had to use her skills to not only trouble-shoot the multiple problems, but had to improvise in making the repairs. She said she had to literally, “use my teeth to get the job done.” Thus, the medical vehicle and team were able to complete its mission. Pfc. Brammer was able to remain proficient in her skills, taught by the army, to help keep her unit “mission ready.”
Second Infantry Division Mission: The 2nd Infantry Division is the last remaining permanently forward-stationed division in the U.S. Army. The 2nd Infantry Division deters aggression and maintains peace on the Korean Peninsula; and if deterrence fails, “Fight Tonight” in support of the U.S-Republic of Korea Alliance.
From the 2nd INFANTRY DIVISION Page
Pfc. Brammer found that Korea was not as bad as many had said it would be. She said that duty revolved around many drills and real alerts. These drills were to maintain combat readiness. These alerts consisted of much readiness exercises and standing in the old “hurry-up-and-wait” actions. Author’s Note: South Korea is not a typical duty station. For several decades our military has been ready for a quick response to hostile actions from North Korea. It remains a real world hot spot and much posturing goes on to this day.
While in Korea, she enjoyed down time with fellow soldiers at the post bowling alley. She was also able to get off post, and into the civilian area and experience Korea. She would go sightseeing and even went bungee jumping, something she may never have attempted, had she not conquered some fears back at Fort Jackson’s Victory Tower.
Brammer says that she enjoyed the trips to Nami Island, which is near Seoul, South Korea. She stated that this island was very cultural and beautiful. The island has many tree lined paths and is known as a set for many movies. Brammer shared that, “Nami Island is a cultural area. With lots of museums, along with opportunities such as zip-lining, bungee jumping, and ATV riding. Brammer also said she enjoyed trying the local cuisine. She said, “The Korean food was amazing, although most things are much spicier than I expected.”
Korean Night Scene. Photo by K. Brammer
While in Korea, Brammer did get to see a fellow classmate also serving in the army. She was able to spend a brief visit with former Pleasant classmate. She also was able to have lunch with a couple of service members from Mt. Gilead and Columbus, Ohio. Social media, not available to many veterans of old, is a nice way for service members to keep in touch with friends and family and to learn if they are nearby.
So far, Brammer feels the military has helped her by challenging her both mentally and physically. She has been able to do tasks she would not otherwise have attempted. Now she feels she can better push herself to succeed in life in general. While in training, she wrote a note in her journal to herself. It was there to remind her of when things got tough to continue forward. It read, “Keep pushing. Even if you want to quit, just remind yourself why you came here. You’re stronger than you think you are.” She would remember the motivating quote throughout and always recalls it during challenging times.
Pfc. Brammer has some post-military goals. She hopes to return to school and get a degree in art and maybe become an art teacher. She even has ideas to become trained and work as an Emergency Medical Technician, to help get her through her schooling.
We thank Pfc. Brammer and her family who raised her in the tradition of service. Female veterans and service members are under-recognized on this blog, but their service is not forgotten and is very much appreciated.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 