Had second thoughts about this, might just be some semi - geezers from that era with a slight interest.

February 29 , 1968

That Leap Year Date that comes around every four years, and may or may not hold much significance to most people. For me, I guess, every 20 years, it’s kind of a time check, for the ending of one quarter and the start of another.

It nears February 29, 2008 and I guess that realistically I’ll look at this as the start of the fourth quarter. Going into overtime wouldn’t be such a bad idea, but I appreciate that it is the start of the fourth.

As on most Feb. 29ths, over the last 40 years, I will dig out my cruise book from the Viet Nam deployment of the USCGC Androscoggin during 1967 & 1968. I look through the photos of each Division and Department and recall the faces, the names, of the shipmates that I served with in that Cutter. They were the men that I had the priviledge of sailing with at that point in time, that marked the end of the first quarter and the start of the second, in my life.

On February 29, 1968, four North Vietnamese Trawlers attempted to infiltrate along the South Viet Nam coastline. I was lucky enough to be in one of the Cutters that engaged, and won, that little fracus. The 82’ WPBs and 50’ USN SWIFTS, along with a US ARMY gunship, all did an important piece of work that evening.

It was an honor to be a part of that crew, that worked exactly as you’d expect, to make that Cutter, into the warship it was designed to be. From standing by the 24” searchlight on the signal bridge I got to witness the unfolding events. The incoming and outgoing rounds, the deck 50 cal. gunners protected by their small splinter shields, the 5’38 performing as advertised.

The “OLD MAN” and the OPS right out in the open bridge wing conning the ship, ballsy-est ship handlers I’d seen. Operating in very skinny water. The “Old Man” recently made his way to Fiddlers Green. BM2 Bob Miner, strapped on to the open air Gun Director, through it all, he didn’t have the option to take cover. He and the FTs right out there in the line of fire.

As I looked through the photos once again, I remember that crew as we were. For the greatest part, young men, in our teens and twenties, a few chiefs, older, but not the relics you’d think. All of us, embarked on one of those voyages that has an influence on the rest of your life.

To those shipmates that may look in here, I will do everything I can to make the next reunion, I have been remiss in my duty to you. To those shipmates that have crossed the bar, and dropped the hook in Fiddlers Green, we will meet again.

When I look into the mirror and close my eyes, it is not that long ago afterall, and we were the “new Guard”.

http://www.fishing-boating.com/androscoggin/

http://pcf45.com/trawler/ducpho/ducpho.html

Blues from about 1972, just a bit snugger , white hat is the original.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MastersMate,

This is great reading.

The more I learn about you, the more I'm impressed. The Hong Kong photo is the epitome of a U. S. Coast Guardsman of that era.

I can't wait to read more.

MM;
You know - I was pretty close, comparably anyways, to you that week. I was on Guam at the time. Well, part of that week I was on Guam anyways. On that day, I was five DAYS old!

Great read! Thanks for keeping us youngsters apprised of our great history!

Phil

If you look at the ribbons the change in the CG's attitude towards awards becomes readily apparent.

I still have my flat hat circa 1968. To get that folded down look (which helped keep the hat from blowing off) I taped a couple big bolts into each side.

My one regret was that the Mellon never got a chance to sink a trawler. As a GM I really had a burning desire to sink another ship!

Salty Sid. Masters Mate. CWO. Dana.

First I want to tell you that I have been enjoying your stuff since I first got here. Your memory and documentation of our history is incredible. I know that a lot of the younger Coasties read what you have to say.

You must have gotten an exceptional set of blues in '72. Mine shrank so badly, I had to throw them out. My flat hat is still around though, going to Parades, with another Coastie.

I left Saigon in the middle of the Tet Offensive, Jan 68, after a year in Squadron One.
I was a new 21 year old, and a new EN2 single and alone, on 45 days leave in California, celebrating the fact that I got out out of that place with all of my skin intact. I heard about the "Andy" getting a trawler while I was in a bar in SF. I remember thinking that I left that place in good hands.

I started to celebrate my 4th quarter by getting a new tattoo. I have a Navy Anchor over crossed M16's. Maybe you could explain why a CG Engineman would do that?

Thanks for keeping our History alive. Our History is also their History.

Thank you for Your Service
Offshore Diesel

quote:

Maybe you could explain why a CG Engineman would do that?

Mike,

At this point in time, no explanation is needed, other than it seemed like a great idea at the time.

The time has passed on the other side of the globe, moderators can go and lock this up, if you please. Thanx

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MastersMate,