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LtCol David L. Althoff
Winner of 1968 Alfred A Cunningham Award
"Marine Aviator of the Year"
Commanding Officer
Detachment Alpha "Poor Devils"
24 Nov 67 - 9 Jan 68
Picture Album
*Maj. David L. Althoff 24 Nov 67 - 9 Jan 68 *
When I first checked into HMM 262 in June of 67 I knew that I was joining a Squadron that had a great combat reputation. After I was there a short while I discovered the reason for that well deserved reputation. I soon had total confidence in all members of the team that made up this top-notch combat outfit. From top to bottom, or rather from one end to the other, I developed a very deep respect for each and every one of you. I knew I could depend on the quality of the maintenance, the skills of the HACS and the Co-Pilots, the expertise of the crew chiefs and gunners and the support that was provided by everyone else on the "Team" (the bravest and most dependable men I have ever met).
What I saw was complete and total dedication and commitment to the mission that we were assigned. I especially enjoyed the closeness and camaraderie that we shared as we flew, worked, laughed and partied together. We also cried together over those Marines we brought back in body bags or shot to pieces, and our roommates and friends who gave their all in that strange land so far away.
I had the privilege of serving with you on the SLF aboard the Tripoli and the Valley Forge. The "POOR DEVILS". We then went ashore at Quang Tri in December of 67 and supported the troops all along the DMZ from the mouth of the CuaViet river on the coast to Dong Ha, Con Thien, Gio Lihn, Camp Carroll LZ Stud, the Rock Pile, Razorback Ridge, KheSanh, Lang Vei, all of the hills around KheSahn, Hue Phubai, and a whole lot of other "bad assed" spots, too numerous to mention. I left the squadron in July of 68 with tears in my eyes knowing what those of you that were staying behind would be facing in the months to come. (Those tears turned to tears of joy when I lifted off from Danang aboard that Continental airliner with the golden tail.)
I will never ever look at a young American in his late teens or very early twenties and have any doubts about what he can and will do if he is called upon to fight for his country. I saw so many of you risk everything and willingly go far above and beyond the call of duty to rescue your fellow Marines from the most desperate situations; never hesitating to go back and do it again, day after day, night after night.
The Squadron was aptly named the FLYING TIGERS and each of us will carry the mark of the TIGER to our graves because it was so indelibly inscribed on our bodies, our hearts and on our minds. I'm proud to be numbered among the finest group of fighting Marines in the history of the Corps, HMM-262.
Semper Fi
Dave Althoff |
A TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND |
| LANNY LONG |
| CORPSMAN RVN 1968 |
The Vietnam war is just a vague memory now,
And most of us who fought it were never even asked to take a bow.
We simply came home, picked up the pieces and went on, somehow.....
The American public doesn't have a clue,
As to what some of their U.S. Marines were asked to do.
But I know, and I'm writing this to show my respect for you.
The battlefield has always been the Corpsman"s domain.
He's there for us no matter how harsh the weather or how rough the terrain.
He brings comfort, and just by being there he eases the pain
Being wounded in battle is a terrifying plight.
Somehow it's worse yet in the middle of the night,
But, having a Corpsman there helps us to overcome our fright.
The call, "HELP! CORPSMAN, I'M HIT!" always comes at the worst possible time.
There is no cover, the hillside is always steep and hard to climb.
It's either rocky shale or covered with slime.
War is hell!!! It's the scourge of the earth,
And combat is the "acid test" of a man's true worth.
He's not a coward or a hero just by virtue of his birth.
He takes on his values from his family, his leaders and his friends.
He's no saint! That he never pretends.
But we can see his true character by the message he sends.
He's a gentle soul, but his body is hard and lean.
He may be frightened but his voice sounds out calm, firm and serene.
"COVER ME BOYS, I'M GOING OUT TO HELP THAT WOUNDED MARINE!!"
He dresses our wounds, then as he looks into our face,
He prays to God for strength, wisdom and grace,
Wondering if any of us will ever get out of this terrible place.
We are far from the comforts of home, and death is always near.
When we are about to lose our life, it becomes even more dear.
We bond closely together as we try to overcome our fear.
But we wouldn't even consider trading places with the guys in the rear.
When there is a trouble spot in the world and tempers begin to flare,
You can bet the the Marine Corps will soon be there.
Whether it be on land, at sea or in the air.
We marines are a proud bunch and our motto is "Semper Fi."
We train hard and we shoot for the X in the bullseye!!
We look sharp in our dress blues and we make the ladies sigh,
But when the chips are down and we watch our comrades bleed and die,
Every one of us is man enough to break down and cry.
When the battle is over and the dust has had a chance to settle,
We try to pay tribute to those who have truly shown their mettle.
We praise the Pilots, the Tankers, and the Gunners,
We pin ribbons on everyone from the Generals to their Runners.
But it's the Corpsman who has cradled a bloodied head to his chest,
That will be remembered with kindness when we have forgotten the rest.
You proved that you had the right stuff when put to the test,
So...STAND TALL MARINE, YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST!!!
| SEMPER FI |
| DAVE ALTHOFF |
| LT.COL. USMC (Ret) |
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