d o g f a c
e s o
l d i e r s A photographic
journey of the
Third Signal Co. of the 15th Regt of the U.S. Third
Infantry Division-
WWII
by Denis Toomey
Click Here to go
to the Official 15th Inf. Regt. Association website
15TH
INFANTRY REGIMENT RENDEZVOUS 2010
This notice
serves as a "warning order" to all members, friends, and family of
the 15th Infantry Regiment that we will once again be assembling for
a Regimental Rendezvous,
13-15 May 2010.
The 3-15 will host the rendezvous at Ft. Stewart, GA. Mark your
calendars now for
13-15 May 2010. Details will follow soonest both online at the
Association website
http://www.15thinfregtassoc.org/
Click here for Rendezvous
Registration & Reservation form (pdf)
Members of the 15th Infantry Regimental Assn who attended the
Association Dinner held in Springfield, Mo received a special
Veterans Day memento made by Ms. Musto's 3rd grade students at
Ashlawn Elementary School in Arlington, VA. The students had hoped
that their work could be sent to deserving members of the military
and veterans who have served their country proudly for so many
years. Tad Davis VP of the 15th Inf. Regt Assn sent these cards to
those who attended the dinner. Below is one of the cards that we
will share with you.
James Campbell, Gen Maurice Kendall, and John Shirley
15th Inf. Regt Ball at the Ironworks Convention Center
2007-15th Infantry
Regiment Dinner
Henry at the Ready
Henry and Tim
Tad Davis
Tad Davis and Cpt Steve Miller
Tad Davis, John Shirley, LTC Tim Stoy, John
Burke
New officers
Taking the Oath
Cpt Steve Miller
Tim Stoy and John Shirley
Jane Dojutrek and Chuck Trout
Jane getting Life Membership to the
15th Inf. Regt Association
Laura Dojutrek with Jane and Chuck
Tad Davis reading the Award to Jane
Laura and Jane Dojutrek
Jane, Steve and Laura
Tad Davis and Jane Dojutrek
Jane and LTC Gail with
Associate Lifetime Membership Plaque
Penny and Henry Burke
Bart and Lucretia Viruso
Elizabeth and John Burke
John Shirley and Henry Burke
Tad Davis, John Shirley, Tim Stoy, and John
Burke
LTC Gail, Tad Davis, Kathy and Jerry Daddato,
LTC
Tim Stoy, and CSM Mac Dixon
Roberta Heller questions Captain Miller
June Jackson, LTC Brian Gale, Joan and Chuck Trout
Dr. Bae Suk and Miyong Lee with Kathy
Daddato
Dr. Bae Suk and Miyong Lee and Jerry
Daddato
Kathy and Jerry
LTC Brian Gale, Tad Davis, Jerry, LTC Tim Stoy,
and CSM Mac Dixon
Joan Trout and Kathy
Joan, Chuck and Kathy
2007 CAN DO
RENDEZVOUS
MAY 2-5, 2007
COLUMBUS-FORT BENNING
Lieutenant
Colonel Jack Marr, Commander of the 1st Battalion,
and Tad Davis, Association President, have announced that the
2007 Can Do Rendezvous will be held May 2-5, 2007 at
Columbus-Fort Benning. On January 9th the Battalion
received deployment orders for Iraq in March. Although the
Battalion will be deployed, Lieutenant Colonel Marr has
committed available support to be provided by the 1-15 Rear
Detachment, commanded by Captain Stephen Miller. LTC Marr, CPT
Miller and President Davis have vowed to make the occasion a
memorable event and an opportunity to recall our great legacy
and join in great camaraderie with past veterans and the current
active duty soldiers.
Host Hotel
for the event will be the Four Points Sheraton at Columbus
Airport. Information regarding rates and reservations is shown
on the attached document. A Rendezvous Check In Desk will be
located in the Hotel lobby where attendee packets, including the
schedule of events, will be provided. The Association
Quartermaster will be present at the Hotel with a huge selection
of 15th Infantry Regiment items.
The
Rendezvous begins with a golf tournament on May 2nd,
with teams formed by a mix of current active duty and other
veterans. That same evening there will be an Ice Breaker Social
for attendees & current active duty soldiers to become
acquainted. The evening of the 4th will be devoted to
the traditional Regimental Dinner. In between, there will be
several activities/events designed to ensure the attendees are
treated to an interesting and enjoyable time. Below is a general
schedule of planned events. Time permitting, other events will
be worked in, to include a tour of newly constructed Army
Housing and special ladies’ activities. A complete schedule with
transportation times will be provided each attendee at
registration on May 2nd.
WED 2 MAY
0900-1700: Check In, Four Points Sheraton
Hotel
1300:
Golf Tournament, Follow Me Golf Course
1800:
Icebreaker, at Four Points Sheraton Hotel
THURS 3 MAY
Morning
0900: Tour Columbus Historic District
Visit
WWII Company Street, New Infantry Museum Exhibit, Fort Benning
Tour
Main Post Fort Benning
US
Army Infantry Center Command Briefing
Lunch: Follow Me Dining Facility
Afternoon
1300: US
Army Marksmanship Unit Briefing & Visit
1430:
Infantry Museum Visit, including “I Am The Infantry” presentation
Evening: Open Time Company/Battalion
Get-Togethers
FRIDAY 4 MAY
0900:
Ranger Briefing, Ranger Training Brigade, Harmony Church
1000:
Rangers In Action Demonstration, Victory Pond, Harmony Church
1100:
Visit 1st Battalion, Mortar Training demo, Barracks Tour
Lunch
w/troops: 3rd Brigade Dining Facility
1300: 1st
Battalion Hdqrs & China Room Visit
1400:
Annual Association Business Meeting, Battalion Classroom (also
special event for ladies)
1500-1715:
Open Time
1745:
China Gate Visit
1800-2130:
Regimental Dinner, Benning Club
SATURDAY 5 MAY
Depart/Farewell
CPT Miller
and the Dragon Soldiers of the 1st Battalion are looking forward and
will be working hard to put together all the pieces to host this
special event. Make your plans now to attend. Come early-stay late
and visit the many historic and visitor attractions in the Columbus
vicinity.
2006 15th Infantry
Regiment Can Do Rendezvous
Fort Stewart, GA May 10-12, 2006
The 3rd Battalion at Fort Stewart hosted the 2006 Can Do
Rendezvous May 10-12, 2006. The Rendezvous took on added importance and
more meaningful proportions since this was the first Rendezvous since the
1st Battalion hosted at Fort Benning in 2004. Both battalions had been
deployed in 2005 engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Those veterans
and spouses fortunate to attend experienced a great mustering of past and
present. This report will highlight the events.
The Rendezvous began with a golf tournament with
teams comprised of a mixture of veterans of the past and current active
duty soldiers. This was followed by an Icebreaker/Reception. Attendees
were free to join with old comrades that evening.
The next morning began with a Regimental Run. Not many past veterans were
visible in the formation. The day was spent with a variety of activities
including a Historical Brief of the 15th Infantry in Korea; Round Robin
discussions of WWII, Korea, and Cold War experiences; an Operational Iraqi
Freedom III Presentation; visits of static displays of new weapons and
equipment; and the Association Business Meeting.
On the evening of the 11th the Regimental Dinner
was held in Club Stewart. The evening began with a Soldier Social in the
Main Ball Room. Mess Call began with Posting of the Colors, singing of The
National Anthem, and Invocation by the 3rd Battalion Chaplain. This was
followed by a Punchbowl Ceremony and toasts to the nation, leaders, ladies
of the unit and fallen comrades. The Punchbowl Ceremony was performed by
several Officers and Noncommissioned Officers who numerous selections of
spirits, each representing a significant period of the Regiment’s history,
are mixed in a punch bowl presented to the Regiment by residents in China
in the 1920s. Needless to say the concoction was unique. The Master of
Ceremonies for the evening was Captain Chris Bowers. Both Battalion
Commanders, LTC Gary Luck, 3-15 and LTC Gary Brito, 1-15 presented remarks
summarizing accomplishments since the last Rendezvous.
Guest speaker for the evening was John
Burke, representing the Association membership. His remarks included
announcement of appointments of four Distinguished Members of the
Regiment; LTC Gary Brito, Edward Dojutrek, LTC Gary Luck, and Lloyd
Whitmer and two Honorary Members of the Regiment, Michelle Brito and
Stephanie Luck. On behalf of the Association, John presented special
Association Plaques honoring the 3rd Battalion NCO and Soldier of the
Year.
On the morning of May 12th the attendees visited the 3rd Infantry Division
Museum and viewed numerous items identified with the 15th Infantry
Regiment. Several attendees visited the troop billets of today’s soldiers
and had many amusing comparison remarks.
The attendees departed with the knowledge that Regiment’s legacy lives on
with the outstanding performance of the present day Can Do Soldiers.
The 2006 Can Do Rendezvous was May 10-12, 2006 at Fort
Stewart approximately 35 miles from Savannah, GA.
LTC Gary Luck and his 3rd Battalion planned the basic event even
though they just recently returned
from a one-year deployment to Iraq and are currently on much deserved leave.
Bill
Herndon, SGT Brunnett, SGT Levesole
Leonard
Lassor & CPT Laase
Group of
Senior NCOs
SGT and Mrs
Witherspoon
LT Rose, CPT
Ohman, LT McCorkle
CSM
Gallagher (3-15 CSM 2002-2004),
CSM Ret Mark Baker (3-15 CSM 2000-2002) ,
SGM Moser, current 3-15 Operations SGM
Color Guard
SGT Livesole
mixing grog
SGT Kenny
mixing grog
Mixing the grog with a boot in the China Punch Bowl
Soldiers
gathered at the Punch Bowl
1-15 and
3-15 Commanders and Command Sergeant Majors
Several Association members:
Whitney Mullen, Henry Burke, Mike Halik, Ed Dojutrek, Mike Horn, Morris
Plunket, Bill Herndon, Maurice Kendall, John Burke, Leonard Lassor,
Charles Trout, Bartolo Viruso, William Hendry, Charles Crain
Presentation
of Honorary Members of the Regiment to Michelle Brito and Stephanie Luck
Stanley Wilson and 3 new comrades
Bart Viruso
and Pat Schado getting update on tactics
Spring 1953 Korea, Regimental HQ
Contributed by Martin Markley
Can Do Rendezvous
May 18-20, 2004
MEMORABLE 2004 CAN DO RENDEZVOUS
The 1st
Battalion at Fort Benning hosted the 2004 Can Do Rendezvous
May 18-20, 2004. The Rendezvous took on added importance and more
meaningful proportions since this was the first Rendezvous since the 3rd
Battalion hosted at Fort Stewart in 2001. Both battalions had been
deployed most of the time since and most recently engaged in Operation
Iraqi Freedom. Those 45 veterans and 25 spouses fortunate to attend
experienced a great mustering of past and present. This report will
highlight the events.
The Rendezvous began
with a golf tournament with teams comprised of one veteran and three
active duty soldiers. In addition to prizes for the winners at the
conclusion, a raffle was held with nearly every player winning
something.
On the first evening an
Icebreaker/Reception was held at the host hotel with the veteran guests
and the Officers of the Battalion present. Guests were treated to
snacks/light meals. Many veterans took advantage of the occasion to
purchase beverages for the active duty Officers. LTC Charlton, the
Battalion Commander, presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a
Battalion coin to all veterans. His wife, Heidi, presented flowers to all
the veterans’ spouses as well. The Officers also used this occasion to
“Farewell” LTC Charlton at the time as he was scheduled to
relinquish command two days later. Traditional plaques were presented as
well as specific mementoes relative to his time in command.
The next morning all
attendees were bussed to a tour of the U.S. Army Infantry Museum. In
addition to having the opportunity to observe the untold numbers of
Infantry artifacts and exhibits, the attendees viewed and listened to the
epic poem “I Am The Infantry”. They were also given a pictorial
presentation of a $70 Million future museum that will become the keynote
attraction to Fort Benning visitors.
From the museum the
members were bussed to the Mize Motor Pool (named for 15th
Infantry Medal of Honor recipient) where they were treated to a
scrumptious Barbeque Lunch. During the lunch they were welcomed by the
Brigade Commander. Following lunch was tour of static display of all the
modern weapons and equipment of the Battalion.
The group next moved to
the Battalion Headquarters, a new facility first occupied upon the
Battalion’s return from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Here they visited and
viewed the new home for the China Room. The China Room is a repository
for articles and other memorabilia representing the illustrious history
of the 15th Infantry Regiment. The room also serves as a
special place for meetings, promotions and special ceremonies. During the
tour, LTC Charlton conducted a re-enlistment ceremony for one of the
Battalion soldiers.
In addition, President Ed Dojutrek presented
the Battalion with a clock displaying a 15th Infantry Regiment
crest, which will be permanently displayed in the China Room. Next stop
in the Headquarters was a special room devoted to Operation Iraqi
Freedom. LTC Charlton briefed the group on the unit’s actions from
the Kuwait border to downtown Baghdad, using actual maps that he used
during the war. The briefing was very informative and highly received.
Next on the agenda was a
re-dedication of the China Gate. A short ceremony was conducted to recall
that the residents of Tiensen, China had presented the monument to the
Regiment for the Regiment’s protective actions in 19__ and that the
monument had been donated to the Infantry School upon return to the
United States in 1938. LTC Charlton recognized and expressed
appreciation for the 15th Infantry Regiment Association’s
recent contribution to the site of an impressive bronze 15th
Infantry Insignia as well as an addition of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” to
a Battle Honors plaque. After the ceremony all attendees were invited to
the Officers Club for a “Right Arm” Beer Call at which the Officers treat
their key NCOs.
The final day began with
an impressive Change of Command Ceremony at a parade field in the
battalion area. LTC Gary M. Brito assumed command. (Biography
appears elsewhere in this edition) The ceremony was admirably performed
and included march music by the Infantry Center Band.
In addition to the
change of command a reflagging ceremony was performed to realign the
configuration of the Battalion, which now includes 7 companies, including
2 Armor companies. Following the ceremony the incoming Commander hosted a
Reception for all attendees.
Lt. Col. Gary M. Brito with his family after assuming
command of the 1st Btn. May 20.
"It's the highlight of my career", the Col. said.
Shown with his wife, Michelle and sons Matthew, 14, and Patrick, 10.
Courtesy of James E. Drury
Lunch and the annual
Business Meeting was held at the host hotel. Minutes of the meeting are
posted elsewhere in this edition.
Regimental Dinner
On the final evening the
Regimental Dinner was held in the Officer’s Club at Fort Benning. The
evening began with a cocktail hour in the Regimental Room followed by a
Reception Line at which the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, the
Battalion Commander and his wife greeted all attendees. At the dinner
the Battalion Chaplain gave the invocation, which was followed by toasts
to the nation, leaders, ladies of the unit and fallen comrades. The
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the Battalion Executive Officer
Major Lance Richardson.
The featured speaker for
the evening was LTG (Ret) Jared Bates, the Honorary Colonel of the
Regiment. His remarks were right on the mark with respect to leadership
and discipline in the military received a rousing Hooaah applause.
Six Association members
were appointed as Distinguished Members of the 15th Infantry
Regiment. Present to receive the honors were LTC John Charlton, Henry
H. Burke and Michael Horn. A separate article on these honors appears
elsewhere in this edition. Also appointed as Honorary Members of the
Regiment were Heidi Charlton and the Commanders of 1-30 Infantry
and 2-69 Armor. The Association recognized the NCO and Soldier of the
Year for each Battalion by presenting distinctive plaques. The names and
awards appear elsewhere in this edition.
An unannounced event
occurred when a Sergeant read a love letter to his lady guest and
proposed marriage, which was quickly accepted.
After the Colors were
retired several Officers performed the Punch Bowl Ceremony in which
numerous selections of spirits, each representing a significant period of
the Regiment’s history, are mixed in a punch bowl presented to the
Regiment by inhabitants in China in the 1920s. Needless to say the
concoction was unique. To conclude the evening several items provided by
local friends of the 15th Infantry were raffled off. In
addition, the annual Association Raffle was conducted. (Winners posted
elsewhere.)
Photos Courtesy of Ed Dojutrek,
Pres. of 15th Inf Regiment Association
Click on some of the small photos
to see enlarged views
SIX ASSOCIATION MEMBERS HONORED
Six association members were
recently honored by appointment as Distinguished Members of the 15th
Infantry Regiment. The Chief of Infantry, who also serves as commanding
General of the Infantry Center, makes the appointment. A criterion for
the award are that persons appointed must have served in the Regiment and
distinguished themselves with former service in the military and/or the
civilian community. The primary mission of these appointees is to
perpetuate the history and traditions of the Regiment, thereby enhancing
the morale and esprit de corps among members of the Regiment.
Accomplishments of all those appointed have truly been outstanding.
Listed alphabetically below are those appointed and a brief summary of
their selection criterion:
Henry H. Burke
For outstanding military service of
24 years including service with G Company during the Korean War; forging
a community service organization in Columbia, SC that has become a model
for numerous urban communities; serving as Trustee in the 15th
Infantry Regiment Association 2 terms; acting as a driving force at
promoting the traditions of the Regiment at several veterans and service
organizations, locating former members of the15th Infantry
Regiment and encouraging them to join the 15th Infantry
Regiment Association.
Michael J. Horn
For outstanding military service
including in several capacities in the 1st Battalion in
Germany 1978-1981 receiving numerous awards for exemplary service
including the task of custodian of the “China Room”; developing a process
whereby the historical articles could be viewed by unit personnel and the
many visitors alike, despite the vulnerability to destruction of old many
of the items; serving as Editor of the 15th Infantry Regiment
Association newsletter,“The Dragon”, since 1999..
LTC John W. Charlton
For his exemplary service while
commanding the 1st Battalion June 2002 to May 2004;
orchestrating training to ensure the unit was prepared to fight and win
in any contingency; leading Task Force Dragon as the spearhead of the 3rd
Infantry Division in the major attacks of Operation Iraq Freedom in 8
major engagements, in continuous operations for 25 straight days,
covering 800 kilometers of open desert and urban terrain, inflicting
enemy casualties estimated at 29 tanks, 79 BMPs, 128 technicals, 900
dismounted infantry, and 411 prisoners.
Richard R. Guimond
For service in WWII where he served
as a rifleman and light machine gunner in Company L March 1943- October
1945, earning several awards including 2 Purple Hearts; public service
including a long and storied career with the Fire Department of his home
city; serving as Treasurer of the 15th Infantry Regiment
Association 1998-2001, instituting several sound practices for managing
and safeguarding the monetary assets of the Association; Serving as
Publicity Chairman 1996-2004 and since 1999 managing a highly successful
annual Association raffle realizing considerable revenue specifically
benefiting costs of publishing a newsletter and purchasing recognition
awards for soldiers of the two active battalions.
LTC Timothy R. Stoy
For outstanding service in the
Regiment on three separate tours: 1982-1983 in Germany with the 2nd
Battalion as Platoon Leader A Company; 1986-1988 at Fort Knox, KY with
the 4th Battalion in succession as Assistant S3, Assistant S1
and as Commander of C Company; 1995-1996 as Executive Officer 1st
Battalion; since 1996 serving as the Historian for the 15th
Infantry Regiment Association, researching and assembling an extensive
history of the Can Do Regiment as well as preparing numerous interesting
and informative articles for the quarterly newsletter, The Dragon.
LTC Stephen M. Twitty
For exemplary service in the
Regiment first commanding B Company, 3rd Battalion 1991-1993
and then commanding the 3rd Battalion June 2001-May 2003; in
Operation Iraqi Freedom leading Task Force 3-15 as spear point of the 2nd
Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division for most of the 600 kilometer
battle to Baghdad, destroying enemy forces around Karbala, establishing a
bridgehead across the Euphrates and destroying remnants of the Republican
Guard down RPG Alley.
ASSOCIATION
NCO & SOLDIER OF THE YEAR
AWARDS
The Association
traditionally recognizes the outstanding achievements of the NCO of the
Year and Soldier of the Year of each active Battalion. The awards are
named in honor of Medal of Honor recipients killed in World War II and
Korea. Distinctive Association plaques signifying the recognition were
presented May 20th during the Regimental Dinner at the 2004
Can Do Rendezvous. The recipients are listed below:
Description
Using old regimental records from the Civil War, as well as diaries and
letters, Mark W. Johnson has unearthed a wealth of new material about this
long-neglected topic: he covers every unit and every battle in compelling
narrative and exhaustive detail and reaches some surprising conclusions
about the significant role these troops played in the Union's eventual
victory. This book covers the full history of the four Regular Army
Regiments that fought in the Civil War's Western Theater, the 15th, 16th,
18th and 19th U.S. Infantry Regiments.
Reviews
"An absorbing true-life story...Fascinating reading...This biography is
just pure reading pleasure."
— Bookviews.com
"This book is for the general reader, the enthusiast, and the scholar.
Johnson has succeeded in creating an illustrative history."
— Journal of Military History
"An extraordinary account of an extraordinary organization...Highly
recommend[ed]."
— The Civil War News
"Johnson has done a masterful job...An extraordinary account of an
extraordinary organization...The maps are excellent."
— The Civil War News
"This book belongs in the library of any serious scholar of the Regular
Army and the Civil War...Valuable...Comprehensive."
— On Point
"Fills a gap in Civil War literature...Johnson's fine writing style
carefully blends official histories with diaries and letters."
— Choice
"Johnson has broken new ground in Civil War military history...The
narrative is peppered with humorous anecdotes and personal experiences."
— History
The United
States 15th Infantry Regiment
in China, 1912–1938
Alfred Emile Cornebise
Description
Taking up its position astride the Peking-Mukden [Beijing-Shenyang]
railway beginning in January, 1912, the United States Fifteenth Infantry
Regiment was engaged in protecting American interests in China. The 1000
man force was especially challenged during the 1920s, those tumultuous
years when warlords struggled to gain ascendancy in the Chinese Republic.
Although Chiang Kai-shek established a measure of control in China by
1928, the regiment remained in China—partially to counter Japan’s
increasingly aggressive actions—despite considerable misgivings within and
outside of the United States Army as to the feasibility, desirability, and
ethical appropriateness of the policy retaining it there. The success of
the Japanese in conquering much of eastern China finally compelled
Washington to withdraw the regiment on March 2, 1938.
This work recounts and assesses some aspects of the involvement and
service of the Fifteenth Infantry Regiment during its fateful quarter of a
century in the Orient between the World Wars. Also detailed is the Army’s
service in those years in general. Many insights are provided regarding
the self-perceptions of a key generation of U.S. military personnel
deployed there.
About the Author
Alfred Emile Cornebise is professor emeritus of History at the University
of Northern Colorado and also the author of The CCC Chronicles (2004). He
lives in Greeley, Colorado.
Mc Farland Publishing Co.
http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/index.html
15th Inf. Regt. Association Gift
to the 1st and 3rd Battalions
Six months back it was suggested
that the 15th
Regiment Association give some sort of
gift to the troops of our 1st and 3rd Battalions prior to their
redeployment back to Iraq. The two Battalion Commanders suggested that
sand
colored Bandanas would be an appropriate item that all of the troops
would
equally enjoy. The 15th Inf. Regt. Association had 1,600 Bandanas
imprinted with the 15th Crest and the wording "15th Infantry Regiment
Association."
In addition they had 1,600 correspondence kits (imprinted again with
the 15th Infantry crest) of paper and envelopes that also will be
presented to each departing soldier.
John Burke at Fort Benning is the Liaison man and has made
arrangements with
both Battalion Commanders to make the presentations about the first
week of
January. (All of the troops are now on block leave until the first)
The cost of
the venture is being undertaken by donations of the membership.
If you wish to donate to this worthy cause contact Ed Dojutrek,
President of the 15th Inf. Regt. Assn. at
edjou87742@aol.com
or Lloyd Whitmer, Treasurer of the 15th Inf. Regt. Assn. at
whitmerld@sss.net.com
Click Here to go
to the Official 15th Inf. Regt. Association website