“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
— Winston Churchill
Marine Raiders Battalions of WWII
Marine officers on Tulagi. LtCol Edson is second from left in front row.
Marine Raiders gathered in front of a Japanese bunker on Bougainville
A BAR man in the bow of the rubber landing craft provides covering fire as a 10-man boat crew of Marine Raiders reaches the undefended beach of Pavuvu in the Russell Islands during Operation Cleanslate. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps)
The Elite of the Elites: the U.S. Marine Raider Battalions, 1942-1944: A Case Study in Elite Military Organizations

Stephen Mark Houseknecht
In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps activated the Marine Raider battalions, the first American special forces units of World War II.

However, the introduction of an elite subculture within the ranks of the Marine Corps, which already prided itself on being the nation’s elite fighting force, resulted in conflicting cultures and competing identities. Many Marines felt that the creation of an elite within the ranks of the elite was superfluous and undesirable. The preferential treatment and widespread publicity accorded to the Raiders, combined with the Raiders’ sense of exceptionalism and claims to superiority, garnered resentment among other Marines.

Ultimately, the leadership of the Corps concluded that the Raider battalions were a detriment to the morale and esprit of the Marine Corps. Such resentment, in conjunction with the changing realities of the Pacific War in 1944, led to the end of the Raider program in early 1944.

As an elite organization operating within the culture of a recognized corps d’elite, the Raiders present a unique case study in the nature of elitism in military cultures.

This thesis examines the unique circumstances surrounding the creation of the Raiders, their rise to fame, and sudden fall from grace, concluding that the operational necessities of the late war period converged with the on-going cultural unrest within the elitist culture of the Corps to spell the end of the Raiders.
Houseknecht, Stephen Mark, "The Elite of the Elites: the U.S. Marine Raider Battalions, 1942-1944: A Case Study in Elite Military Organizations" (2015). MSU Graduate Theses . 1173.
One of Carlson's Raiders is listed in today's Taps Report. Fair Winds and Following Seas to Benjamin Franklin Carson, of Beaverton, Oregon.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members,


How's everyone holding up? Hope you all are taking the advice of our governors and the Commandant, General Berger: Stay home and stay safe.

Camp Pendleton Marines are maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and washing their hands even while maintaining readiness to deploy. This is our world for a while.

I have the sad duty to tell of the passing of Sgt Daniel Flavin, FMDA's Deputy Vice President Central 2015-2017. Our condolences to his family.

Keep your chins up. Like Queen Elizabeth says, we'll meet again.

Semper Fi,

Jerry Johs 
FMDA President 

DJC
From Headquarters
Our August plans are subject to change, as above. Please hold off making reservations until we know the state of the world this summer.

Come join us for our 73rd Annual Reunion in Washington, D.C. We meet 14-23 August at the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, Virginia. Activities are in the planning stage. We are exploring visits to:

-- National Museum of the Marine Corps
-- Vietnam Memorial Wall for our memorial service
-- Iwo Jima Memorial
-- World War II Memorial
-- Korean War Memorial
-- Friday Evening Parade at 8th & I

Please let us know of any other sites you would want considered. Email the Site Destination Committee at geronamo0122@gmail.com We are looking into having a bus available to shuttle from the hotel into downtown D.C.

This year's banquet will see the opening of the 1st Division's Last Man Bottle.

Room rates are $127.68 per night (tax included).
Reservations may be cancelled until 1 August.

Click the button below to reserve your room or to check out the hotel.
Check out the sites of the Capital with the second button.

Developing details of the itinerary will printed in upcoming editions of the Blue Diamond News.

You can keep current on the Association events at our website:
Camp Pendleton
From the San Diego Union-Tribune:
Camp Pendleton Marines ordered to follow state’s shelter-in-place guidelines
Brigadier General Daniel Conley on Saturday issued the instructions to Marine Corps Installations West, which includes Camp Pendleton

By City News Service
April 5, 2020
7:01 PM

Marines at Camp Pendleton have been ordered to follow California’s “shelter-in-place” guidelines guidelines and face severe penalties if they don’t, according to the military base’s commanding general.

Brigadier General Daniel Conley on Saturday issued the instructions to Marine Corps Installations West, which includes Camp Pendleton.
``"As of March 19, the state of California instituted a “ ‘shelter in place’ order,” Conley wrote. ``"The order directs all individuals to remain at home or place of residence, except as needed in limited circumstances.”
The commander’s order said all personnel will curtail their off-duty activities to abide by the California orders.

“Travel while on leave or liberty is only authorized to conduct essential services such as medical needs, groceries, banking, exercise and gas stations,” the order said. `"While in a leave or liberty status, and while traveling to conduct essential services, all MCIWEST personnel shall limit travel to within a 30-mile radius of their residence.”

Marines are ordered to have a `"heightened awareness regarding the spread of this infectious disease.”

“Marines and sailors are not authorized to attend social gatherings outside their home, and social contact at private residences will be limited to household members only,” the order states.

Violations of the order are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the commander said, and personnel may be subject to “appropriate administrative or judicial action.”
From the Marine Corps Times:

All 1st Marine Division units will train at their home station, no more Twentynine Palms trips for now

Shawn Snow
No more busing up to Twentynine Palms , California, for training, at least for the time being.

All units with the 1st Marine Division will continue to train aboard their home stations “until further notice” as the Corps continues to implement policies to help stem the spread of COVID-19 , I Marine Expeditionary Force told Marine Corps Times in an emailed statement.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger told reporters March 26 that an integrated training exercise involving 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines slated for April aboard the Twentynine Palms training facility had been axed.

At least two sources within the unit told Marine Corps Times that 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines was still planning to kick off training despite news of the canceled exercise. Officials with I MEF said 3/1 is not headed to Twentynine Palms.


The Corps “has to be ready to respond to a problem around the world. We’ve never been given advanced notice when that will happen” so Marines “need to conduct training that is necessary” to be ready when the nation needs it to act, Gen. David Berger said.

...

I MEF explained that units with the 1st Marine Division are still preparing for deployments.
Chapters
Mike Galyean shares the Central Florida Chapter's latest newsletter.

Inside: Article by Don Moore about Dick and Hector Cafferatta from Fox Company 2/7 and their heroic stand at Toktong Pass on the road to the Chosin Reservoir.
Desert Cities /Mitchell Paige MOH presents their latest newsletter:
Members
Dear FMDA,
Wanted to share this inspiring and patriotic video with all our members especially our Vietnam Marines during these difficult times!

Semper Fidelis 

Mickey Christiason

FMDA and Marine Corps League member
Scholarship
Scholarship Date Announced

Attention Scholarship applicants and awardees:

Applications for school year 2021 scholarships will be accepted on or after 1 March 2020 .

Current awardees are reminded to submit proof of attendance for fall semester 2020.
SEMPER FI FUND

The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
Health
From Veterans Affairs

What should Veterans do?
Any Veteran with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. VA urges Veterans to call before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility .
Alternatively, Veterans can sign into  My HealtheVet to send a secure message to VA or use  telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.
Upon arriving at VA, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff. A VA health care professional will assist you with next steps once this screening process is complete.
At this time, VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to please postpone their visits to VA facilities.

How to protect yourself
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Avoid exposure and avoid exposing others to an infection with these simple steps.
  • Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Getting a flu shot is recommended.
Greetings,
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is providing information about utilizing alternatives to in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic to support social distancing and the safety and health of Veterans and clinicians. VBA will continue to complete as many examinations as possible using virtual means that do not involve a face-to-face examination. This message is intended to advise you about the change and provide guidance and resources.
What are C&P Examinations?
  • C&P examinations are forensic examinations used to gather evidence used by VBA claims processors in making decisions on Veterans’ claims for disability compensation and pension benefits. C&P exams are scheduled when the evidence already in the Veteran’s record does not contain all the information needed to make a decision on the claim.
  • Disability Benefits Questionnaires, or DBQs, are standardized forms used by clinicians when performing C&P exams. The purpose of a DBQ is to ensure the clinician performing the exam captures and records all the information needed by VBA claims processors to make a decision.
  • For many years, both Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinicians and VBA contract vendors have conducted C&P examinations using DBQs. In FY19, VBA completed about 65 percent of the more than 1.6 million examination requests generated by regional office claims processors.
What are options for conducting C&P Examinations?
  • The C&P exam process most familiar to most people is the in-person appointment where the Veteran physically reports to the medical provider’s office. For some disabilities, in-person examinations are required and cannot be completed through an alternate method.
  • C&P examinations can also be completed using a process called Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) examinations. ACE examinations can occur after a medical provider reviews the evidence of record and determines that the evidence is sufficient to complete a DBQ without an in-person examination. Sometimes, the examiner may need to call the Veteran and ask for clarification or ask the Veteran to answer some questions. Frequently, the ACE examination can be completed without telephone interaction with the Veteran.
  • A third way of completing C&P examinations is through video or tele-C&P examinations. Tele-C&P examinations are suitable for the completion of some DBQ types, most commonly for mental health conditions. Tele-C&P examinations enable the Veteran to remain in his or her home and teleconference with the medical provider so the provider can see and speak to the Veteran.
Why has VA decided to suspend the in-person examination option?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, VA recognizes the value of social distancing and the need to reduce the amount of face-to-face contact. On April 2, 2020, the VHA temporarily discontinued performing C&P exams in order to prioritize resources for essential and critically needed health care services in this emergency. This directive also eliminate in-person examinations except in urgent care situations and reduces the number of people entering VHA facilities in order to protect employees and patients. VHA will conduct some C&P examinations through tele-exams and ACE where possible. Out of an abundance of caution for Veterans and medical providers, VBA is similarly suspending in-person C&P examinations until further notice and will continue to conduct C&P exams through ACE and Tele-C&P, when possible.
What can I do to assist with my claim?
Make sure your current private medical records are part of your VA claims file. The Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all Veterans to submit their private medical records for consideration during the processing of their benefits claim. VA values evidence from your private treatment providers because they are familiar with your medical history, often over a long period of time. VA appreciates the trusted and special relationship between private treatment providers and their Veteran/patients.
Key methods that private medical records can be submitted are as follows:
  • Veteran/Private treatment provider can send medical records directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI., 53547-4444 or submit to VA regional office.
  • VA will request your private medical records for you if you submit signed a VA Form 21-4142 and VA Form 21-4142a. You must complete and submit both of these documents.
  • Private treatment records can be uploaded as part of an on-line submission of a claim at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/.
Resources
  • We encourage all Veterans to work with an accredited representative for assistance in completing claims for VA benefits. The accredited representative can help guide the Veteran in submitting applicable medical records for consideration on his or her claim.
  • A list of accredited organizations can be found on the Office of General Counsel site at this link: Search the VA Office of the General Counsel’s list.
Questions on Claims?
You can start and continue to file claims with no delay.
How to start or continue a claim
For individuals who need more assistance, VBA offers robust resources through the National Call Center (NCC) at 1-800-827-1000.
Intent to file a claim
  • Faxing or mailing a completed VA Form 21-0966
  • Calling the NCC at 1-800-827-1000 or Veterans Service Center,
  • Starting a claim online, or
  • Asking a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to complete one on a claimant’s behalf.
Note: Intent to file a claim will preserve a potential effective date and allow the Veteran up to one year to submit a completed claim form. Veterans can also work with a local VSO to submit claims electronically or by mail.
A grateful nation thanks you for your service.

Sincerely,
-Veterans Benefits Administration
‌
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of our honored residents of the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon late last night. This resident tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22, and had other underlying medical conditions.

In addition, two more positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed at the Home late yesterday. All affected family members have been notified.

With both of these announcements, and yesterday’s OHA announcement of the recovery of 13 cases, the total number of active cases at the Home is now two. To date, the Home has experienced a total of 18 positive cases and three deaths related to COVID-19.

“It is with heavy hearts that we make both of these announcements,” said Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This resident proudly served our nation and was also a beloved member of our Lebanon community. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.

“The staff is doing everything in their power to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep our community safe. All possible resources are being made available to support them in their critical work and we continue to do everything possible to protect the honored residents in our care, and prevent the further spread or reintroduction of this potentially deadly virus.“

Widespread and strict lock-down protocols remain in place, in line with the Home’s protocols and nationwide guidance for skilled nursing facilities that are now in effect.

Since the opening of the Home in 2014, every veteran resident who has passed away has been honored with the “Walk of Honor” in recognition of their service to our country. Typically, staff, residents and family would line the halls to salute and pay their last respects.

Again today, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, staff adjusted this long-honored tribute. Outside, staff were invited to line the sidewalks (maintaining appropriate social distancing) while the body was escorted to the waiting transportation, draped with a burial flag and a handmade quilt from Quilts of Valor.

Staff fold the burial flag 13 times in accordance with honor guard standards and present it to a family member. Multiple precautionary sterilization measures were taken to protect against the spread of the virus.

“The Walk of Honor is the last form of respect we can offer to honor our veteran and their family,” said Director Fitzpatrick. “In these unprecedented times, traditions are more important than ever. We will continue to ensure our brothers and sisters in arms receive every honor they deserve while following public health guidelines.”

Out of consideration for the family and confidentiality required by HIPAA, ODVA will not be releasing the resident’s name or other personal information.
Our thanks to Gary Brannan for the leads.
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS, AWARDS, AND UNIT HISTORIES
(See the attached pdf file, or go to the URL at bottom here)
 
A New Congressional Research Service Publication on U.S. Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories
 
The Congressional Research Service has just published a short reference document that might be of interest to many:
 
The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports.

 
GENERAL FUND DONATIONS
USAA
New Members

Life Member

CPL GEORGE E CARROLL, sponsor John Hudson
Taps
We are again updating the database from Social Security records.
Recent reports are boldface.

SGT DANNY JOSEPH BECKER, 13 Jan 2018
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CARSON, 22 Mar 2020
SGTMAJ THOMAS V. COGAN JR USMC(RET), 1 May 1999
SGT GERALD W. COLBERT, 27 Jan 2014
SGT EARL W. COLE, 20 Mar 2020
SGT E. D. COLEMAN, 25 Jun 2010
CPL HENRY (HANK) D. COLEMAN, 5 Nov 2019
CPL JACK L. COLEMAN, 22 Oct 2009
LCPL NICHOLAS R. COLEMAN, 11 Dec 2010
PVT DAVID C. COLIN USMC(RET), 5 Nov 2014
CPL ALFRED J. COLLET, 25 May 2015
CPL BEN R. COLLIE, 13 Nov 2012
CPL JEROME M. COLLIGAN, 28 Apr 2012
CAPT D. J. COLLINS USMC(RET), 20 Dec 2002
CPL GLEN E. COLLINS, 6 May 2016
GYSGT JOHN W. COLLINS JR, 24 Jul 2015
SGT JOHN J. COLLINS, 9 Aug 2008
PFC ROBERT O. CROSS, 25 Jun 2008
DONALD DOSTERT, 24 Oct 2011
SGT DANIEL T. FLAVIN, 4 Apr 2020
HM DONALD KING GARRETT, 16 Mar 2020
RANDALL H. GARRETT, 16 Mar 2019
MICHAEL THOMAS MCALLISTER, 11 Mar 2020
CPL MARK F. MCCORMICK, 12 Nov 2012
PATRICK (MAC) H. MCDONNELL, 30 Apr 2019
1STSGT WILLIAM L. MILLER, 23 Aug 2016
CPL WILLIAM L. SHEDLOV, 20 Jan 2019




Challenge Coin
Association's Challenge Coins Available
Contact HQ at (760)763-3268

These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $5 per coin, plus shipping.
 
Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268
President Jerry Johs Email: geronamo0122@gmail.com
Please visit our website: www.firstmardivassoc.com

First Marine Division Association
P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902
Oceanside CA 92051

(760) 763-3268