A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Roundtable: Marine Reconnaissance Units
At the December 17th, 2018 Vietnam War Roundtable at at Concordia University, veterans of the 1st and 3rd Marine Reconnaissance Battalions discussed how when and why they entered the Marines, how and why they were assigned to these elite units, their training and preparation for combat, and their small unit missions deep within enemy controlled territory. What were their experiences, options, and attitudes when the time came to reenter the civilian world?
Some photo highlghlights and poignant thoughts shared at the event are below:
Within 6 hours of arriving I thought I was in hell. -Floyd Ruggles
Veterans of the 1st and 3rd Marine Reconnaissance Battalions from left to right:
L-R Floyd Nagler, 3rd Recon, Floyd Ruggles, 1st Recon, Doug Bekke- facilitator, Tom Boland, 3rd Recon, Bob Lake, 3rd Recon. Bn.
My existence in Vietnam was immediate.
A display of personal Vietnam War photos, mementos, documents, C-rations, and clothing set up by the Marine veterans.
In the jungle, the North Vietnamese were looking right over me. Their eyes searching has been my nightmare for 30 years. -Floyd Ruggles
The Rock Apes could toss grenades back by '69.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Veteran Organization: Concirdia University, Minnesota Military Museum, Twin Cities PBS
Unit: 1st and 3rd Marine Reconnaissance Battalions
Friendly fire ain't.
Veterans in attendance were asked to stand to be recognized for their service
Vietnam War Roundtable 2018-2019
This new series at Concordia University is an opportunity for veterans, students, and those interested in the war and its legacy to gather the third Monday of each month to honor, remember and understand this tumultuous time.
Schedule & information: https://www.mnvietnam.org/roundtable/
Story Themes: Concordia University, Marine Reconnaissance Units, Minnesota Military Museum, TPT, Vietnam War Roundtable
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