How can I substantiate extremely unusual special actions/assignments(personal black-bag classified)not reflected in records? Started in Korea, then middle east, Viet Nam middle east again, also many stateside operations. Most of which were involved 1953-1979 with other agencies? Due to long time-frame (over 50yrs now) and death of many individuals,that should have been able to help. I am unable to verify any, including promises of promotions, awards etc. Should I just forget it, as still another broken government promise, as I have so far? I would appreciate any help you can give. I would just like to have the complete recognition (before I die) for my family who weren't aware of most of my actions, due to the cover I had.

I fear you have waited too long to get any help in this area. I received two awards in Vietnam without the 1st oak leaf on the second one. I sent in for a correction, I had to send both citations in. It took two years, but I finally received the corrected second award.

Have you been able to tell your family about what you did after you had been out of the military for so many years?? I know that a lot of things are declassified after so many years. I am sure there are some things that are never declassified.

The most important thing is that you know what you did. I was a Chaplain's Assistant for 28 years in the US Army. I finished up my last 7 years at Fort Hood, TX as the SGM in the III Corps Chaplain's Office. I gave money all those years for farewell gifts as SGM's departed Fort Hood or retired. However, I did not receive anything when I retired, not even a plaque from my own NCOs.

Yes, it hurt and still does even after 16 years. I have tears in my eyes even now. I have forgiven all of them.

I would say you would be better off to just place it all in the Hands of God, knowing He is keeping the record that really counts. That is what I have done. I always did my job as unto the Lord. As a Chaplain's assistant, we did most of the back ground work and the Chaplain got all the credit for it. Some would pass it on to us and others did not. I got use to it and decided that since God had called me to be a Chaplain's assistant, then I did everything as unto Him.

I trust that I have said something that has helped you in a small way.

May God richly bless and keep you and your family.

In His Service,

Grover

Dave Barker could most likely give us accounts of "Bay Pigs" personnel (sometimes called operatives) who have never been able to get their recognition or benefits.

It is a shame that these things happen.

3115065, we all wish you the very best,

Bruce

The best moment of any of my awards came when I gave my bronze star to my 11 year old grandson last year for rescuing his little sister from their swimming pool.