November 30, 2011

Jim McCloughan
South Haven, Mi.

_I just noticed that WO Richard Elgin left a comment on the Charlie Tiger site. I had a conversation with Dr. Elgin over the phone on Monday Nov. 28, 2011 after coming across a posting he had made on another Americal unit site. His mention of flying missions in our area, and to and from the LZ locals was of interest to me as a medic. My main reason for contacting him was to thank him for the part he played in aiding us (Company C 3/21) in Vietnam. He mentions in his comments on our site that he flew TAC-E (Tactical Emergencey) missions. These are the missions where these skilled pilots,like WO Elgin, would drop whatever they were doing at the tiem and come to our location because fellow Americans took precedence over everything else. Each of us can remember incidences where pilots like WO Dick Elgin were our saviors. He was not a medevac pilot, but would become one immmediately if he was needed. I have also connected Dr. Elgin to General (then Col.) Thomas H. Tackaberry,196 LIB Commander, whom he piloted from LZ Baldy to LZ East the morning after it was overrun. Thank you to WO Richard Elgin (now Dr. Richard Elgin) for your service to country, and especially to the Charlie Tigers.

Respectfully,

Jim "Doc" McCloughan
Combat Medic 3/69-8/69

ps. So good to see my Brothers in Branson, Mo at the reunion. God Bless you all, and God Bless The USA.

November 28, 2011

Dick Elgin
Rolla, MO

_All my best and a "Welcome Home" to you C 3/21 warriors. As a Warrant Officer I was a member of the 196th HHC and flew a "LOH" (OH6A). My callsign was "Charger". I flew many, many missions of all sorts to support youall, and all of the 196th AO. One night I flew a "TAC-E" mission to LZ Center (from LZ Baldy), delivering 50-cal. gun barrels. It seems some of you guys had pretty well melted some down keeping the bad guys awake that night. A "TAC-E" was a Tactical Emergency...called only when absolutely needed. Well, I got of bed one night to fly some out to youall....and was happy to do so!!! At first light the morning LZ East was overrun (early June, 1969), I flew the 196th CO (Col. Tackaberry) from LZ Baldy to East.....A very bad day for all of us. All my best to all of you. WO "Charger" Dick Elgin

November 15, 2011

Tom Pozdol
River Grove, IL

It was good to see everyone at the reunion in Branson, MO. Maybe we can meet there again next year.

July 25 2011

Rick Hast
Cincinnati, Ohio

Excellent web site here. Very factual and easy to navagate. I was with 196th LIB 4th/31th Infantry whose Fire Base was LZ West. My company Charlie Co. manned bunker line on LZ Center for a week or so while you guys were all off someplace else. I remember being put in a bunker solo one night when intel said a sizeable NVA force was in area and would hit LZ Center for sure which they did. I took cases of gernades with me and spent entire night throwing all of them to the front and both sides! No dinks came my way!! They did take out a bunker up by Artillery pieces which had some cooks inside with no one on guard duty. Anyway I appreciate whomever's work putting this site together and mantaining.

Regards,
Rick Hast

June 27, 2011

Tom Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Thanks for your comments Mike and Chuck. It's good to have you back with us Charlie Tigers. Hope to see you both in Branson come this November.

June 13, 2011

Chuck Matthews
Columbia Missouri

Tom, I have only recently come across this site. I was in the point squad that was ambushed on May 13th when most of my squad mates were killed. I was wounded but managed to get back to the perimeter on my own. I was on the last dust off before dark along with my severly wounded friend Frank Patton. Frank died in flight. I recuperated at the 5th Army hospital in Japan and never had to return to Vietnam. Thank you for creating this website. I have ordered your book today. 

June 4, 2011

Michael Campbell
Sun Prairie, WI

I saw on tom wanted info on gary swartz I have talked to both i was in Cco at the time of his death i also have a few pics of him that i had forwarded to them im in touch with a few of the guys from 71/72 thanks !!mike

sgtcampb@yahoo.com

May 30, 2011

Danny Duke
Monroe, La

I just wanted to say this is a GREAT SITE and I know Earl Powers. Thank all of yall for all of your help

May 27, 2011

Don DeGain
Tampa, Florida

To all my fellow Charlie Tigers: Memorial Day is very special to us. A day to remember the many of us who never came home and also those we have lost over the past 40 years. I wish you all well and will be thinking of you on Monday. Don DeGain, 3rd Platoon, Third Squad.

May 16, 2011

Terry Bradshaw
Chattanooga, Tn

Kathy...several years ago..I sent your brother (assumimg here)...a book on the Americal/ 196th. It told of Capt Carrier when he took over Charlie Co. I was home on an Emergency Leave when your uncle was killed in action. The weeks before leading up to May...were some intense times for C-company. Tom Pozdol, has a book about about the May abush/attack. I haven't read it yet...but am sure that I will recognize some names there. it is called Tam Ky. God Bless those that gave their all.

May 14, 2011

Kathy Patton
New Jersey

My sincere thanks and gratitude to Neil Powers, Chuck Matthews, and Sam Carlson for their recent help with the pictures I have found of my uncle/godfather Francis G Patton- 
your time in posting and identifying others in the photos have meant a lot in this week of his passing 5/13/69.

Kathy

God Bless the wonderful men of The Charlie Tigers

January 19, 2011

KATHLEEN HOLSONBACK
South Carolina

I am the sister of Tom Rhodes. He passed away January 13,2010. I wanted any of his buddies to know about his death and that he finally got the recognition he deserved just before his death with a 3 year battle with Lou Gehrigs disease.

January 7, 2011

Mike Martin
Pontotoc, MS

Comment
Looking for anyone who served with my dad. He was country in 70 and 71. His name is Bennie Martin, he started out as squad RTO then up to company. If anyone remembers him please send me an email, he has been having some hard times. Thank yall for all you did, and my prayers are with the families for the ones who gave all. God bless you all.

arrowheadsports@bellsouth.net

December 31, 2010

Enoch Johns
Myrtle Beach, SC

Comment
Wishing all Charlie Tigers a Blessed and Happy New Year.

November 26, 2010

James Haberman
Ft Collins CO in 1968 I joined/ now live in Sterling CO

November 12, 2010

Enoch Johns
Myrtle Beach, SC

November 6, 2010

Earl Powers
Winnsboro, La

October 1, 2010

Neil Powers
Louisiana/Vietnam

Comment
The Charlie Tiger Site has been moved to a new host.  Many of the pages look the same but some have been organized differently.  I decided to get rid of my old host because I think I found a better option.  Because of the change I lost some capabilities but gained some others.  I hope you like the new site.  I think I got everything moved over but since there is so much content on the site, if you notice something missing, please email me and let me know.  Also, there is a possibility that there are some mistakes so if you notice any problems please let us know so we can fix them.  Thanks so much.  Click Here to Email Me.

September 14, 2010

Enoch E. "Eddie" Johns
South Carolina

Comment
Charlie Tiger from 6/70-3/71.Was 60 gunner most of tour.Just trying to remember.

September 6, 2010

Thomas Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Comment
The Veterans Radio interview with Ron Kociba and me went well. You can still catch the interview at the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9348077

June 27, 2010

Joe Crimmins
Jacksonville, Fl

Comment
It's getting close to July 4th. Unfortunately, I have been one of those who for too long equated the political question with the men. All, I can say now, is as one American... as belated as it might be.... THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. You deserved better and should have gotten better when you came home. GOD bless each of you and the United States of America. Joe

June 27, 2010

Tom Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Comment
Excellent photos of the Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks to everyone who sent their photos in to the website. Also a big thanks to everyone for your support of the "Tam Ky" book. Poz

June 7, 2010

Don DeGain
Tampa

Comment
What a reunion. Here I was driving doen a country road on a Saturday morning in Northern Louisiana almost forty years after I left the top of LZ Center for the last time and I'm about to meet my old company again for the first time. We are truely a "Brand of Brothers". How many Grunts ever get to see their old buddies who have "been there and done that", know the places, the events, who knew our personal buddies who never came home. A lot of questions I've had for 40 years were answered and I can finally put them to rest. I took the stock and heat guards from my M16 to the reunion, now I have the signatures, platoon # and dates of service of 23 of us. If that's not a National Treasure...show me one better. When I get my photo's ready to put on the website I'll show it to all of you. We had Earl from 3/82 Arty from LZ Center with us at the reunion. How many of us might not be here had it not been for Earl & his buddies up on that battery. You might not know it but those guys humped down off Center like we did. If you have not been to a reunion yet I have a few words for you.....make it a life quest and don't wait til it's too late. I've always thought this but never said it to anyone orput it in words...."Walking company point for the "Charlie Tigers" was the proudest thing I ever did". Don, 3rd Platoon, 3rd squad.

May 31, 2010

William Vickery
Richmond, VA

Comment
Just returned from the 2010 Charlie Tiger reunion at Earl Power's spread in Lousiana. It was outstanding. This was home cooking all the way; no fancy hotel banquets with frozen peas. What a weekend. Thanks to all who helped Earl pull it off. His community is the best. Bill Vickery

May 10, 2010

Calvin R. Johnson
Springfield Oregon

Comment
Served with C co 3/21 from June 70 to May 71. Great site! Welcome Home Brothers!!!

May 2, 2010

Jim Morse
Long Island

Comment
In memory of my brother William "Moose" Morse KIA 5/2/1968

March 30, 2010

Thomas Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Comment
I've been in touch with the cousin of SP4 Gary Schwartz. Gary was KIA 4/8/72. He was probably the last Charlie Tiger to have died in the RVN. His cousin, John, is looking for any info about Gary's tour in Nam. Please let me know if you remember Gary and have any info to bring some closure to his family.

February 16, 2010

John Payne
Columbus, OH

Comment
Can't tell u how much i liked your site. Worked with u guys a lot in 67/68 while in F Troop always thought you knew what you were doing. Thanks for the memories

February 14, 2010

Curtis Gilliland
Somerset, Kentucky

Comment
When Neil and I met several years ago in Saigon by God's will and found out we had similar interest about the trip to LZ Center. He and I before we had ever met had both made a trip out to the area of LZ. For me it was to visit where my cousin Gene Wells had died, in 1970 two months after I had left country and where his father had served. We have made two trips since that decision and another to the surrounding area this past November. No longer is there fear of getting shot at and that's what great about visiting Vietnam today. Today many Vietnamese young and old alike show the American Vietnam veterans great respect and that's what I suppose has caused me to return some twenty or more times where "I grew up". It's almost surprising that the respect that many never got here, is there in Vietnam. What you guys did for the Vietnamese people has not been forgotten.

January 11, 2010

Tom Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Comment
Thanks Don. I appreciate the feedback.I hope to see you at the C Company reunion in May.

January 6, 2010

Don Robinson
Saint Peters, MO

Comment
Tom,Read your book and brought back some memories,Recommended reading. Great job to you and your resources.Red Dog 2nd PLT. '69-'70

January 6, 2010

David P D'Amato
Lockport, New York

Comment
Outstanding website! I was on LZ Center from around Oct 1969 thru Sept 1970, I was in Co. D attached to HHC. I worked on the chopper pad for S4. I am trying to locate Ray Perkins who was a mortarman in E company. He was on Center from Jan 70 thru Jan 71. No luck in locating him, any help would be appreciated. Your site brings back many memories and is a credit to the men that served during this conflict. OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT !

December 13, 2009

Tom Pozdol
Chicago

Comment
Hi everyone. The book that I have written is now in print. It's the story of the Charlie Tigers and their May, 1969 battle with the NVA near Tam Ky. Tam Ky - The Battle for Nui Yon Hill is available at www.iuniverse.com or www.amazon.com The soft cover is only $12.95 an e-book goes for only $6.00. Tom

November 20, 2009

Larry Pedersen
Alvarado Minnesota

Comment
Was assigned to HQ recoilless plt. in Feb. 68 went North with the Bat.Wound up on the DMZ. My gun crew and I were with the CTigers at Ney Ha at the end of Apr. and part of May Dennis Leach was Tiger "6" at that time. Lator we came back to the MUD MONSTER (Center) In June my gun crew and I served with Capt. Humphrey Black Death (Delta Co) on the assault of a hill can't remember the # after that I was shipped to F trp 17th Cav. Good unit but always wish I could have stayed with the 3/21st One of the greatest units and finest leaders, and troopers in the Nam I ever served with. Even tho I was'nt a CTiger after those 16 days in May of 68 I like to call myself one. Sincerly Larry Pedersen HQ co. 106 recoilless Rifle Plt 3/21 Feb. to July of 68

November 5, 2009

James G. Mikesell
San Antonio, TX

Comment
Great site you've got going. Was thrilled to see my old "Charlie Tiger" and everything you got on Charlie Company, 3/21. Truely a super unit!! By the way, a young man in my platoon designed and drew the original tiger. At the entrance to our company area was an ammo box sign of good old Charlie. When we were going out on partol, we'd always give it a pat. Nice work you've got going and best wishes from an original "Charlie Tiger!!" I believe the kid who drew the original tiger was a young man by the name of Bobby Murzlock and I think he was from the Buffalo, NY area. Most of our kids were from the northern midwest and western NY state.

September 22, 2009

Charger Joe
Michigan

Comment
Just wanted to say Thanks for a GREAT site!! brought back a rush of memories so long ago. Was on the LZ Center 9/70-2/71, A/3/21 medivaced. attended the '07 196 reunion just returned from the Kokomo Nam Vets reunion last week. again,,,thanks for the AWESOME site.

September 17, 2009

Bruce T. Lilleberg
Willmar, Minnesota

Comment
I would like to thank you for this teriffic website you have so professionally and diligently put together. I am not a member of Charlie Tigers but I work with Brad Gort who was on LZ Center and East with you guys. At this time Brad does not have a computer, but after he sees this site, I am sure he will invest in one. As I was in ChuLai (1969-1970)I am proud to have met you via this website.

September 15, 2009

Don Robinson
Saint Peters, Mo

Comment
I like your idea about the time line of battles we were involved with Charlie company.I have the same issue of what,where and who. Red Dog C 3/21 2nd plt.sarg.69-70

August 8, 2009

Leslie Hines
Des Moines, IA

Comment
I am the Vietnam era historian for the Americal Division Veteran's Association. I have a lot of material about 3/21 that I can share with you if you are interested. For example we have 6 issues of the Gimlet from 1969-70 era. We also have casualty reports (WIA and KIA for 1970); Division TOC reports from 1967-November 1970. I also have some personal photos from January 1969 of the captured weapons on LZ Center that we dumped in the South China Sea. The officer that inspected the weapons said the Russian flamethrower was better than the Army's. I can e-mail some materials, but we have over 16 giga-bytes of material to share with Americal Division Veterans.

August 1, 2009

Ronald (Ron) Kociba
Michigan

Comment
I was wondering if we could start on a timeline of the various "engagements" we were involved in through the years. Collectively we probably could piece this all together, as to where the company was at what time. It is one thing that I'm having trouble retrieving from my memory. Ron

July 29, 2009

Thomas Pozdol
River Grove, IL

Comment
Sorry the first comment here has to be a sad one. I spoke to Aubrey Sample's wife today. I was informed that Aubrey passed away in 2003. He had lung cancer. Aubrey was wounded at the Battle of Tam Ky on 14 May, 1969. He served with C Company from March,1979 to March,1970. POZ

July 29, 2009

Neil Powers
Louisiana

Comment
You may notice that the comments page is different. Recently the comments files were accidentally deleted off the server so we lost all our old comments. This is the second time this has happened so I am trying a new comment page. Sorry about losing that again. I should have backed it up but didn't think about it. Hope this new page works out better.