COLONEL SANDLIN STRESSES OBJECTIVES

Colonel William B. Sandlin took command of the First Brigade, 25th Infantry, on 6 December 1965.  Colonel Sandlin feels honored at the opportunity to serve with a unit with the reputation of the 14th Infantry Gimlets and the 25th Infantry Division (none of which are unknown in the world today).  He is pleased with the opportunities to learn and serve offered by this assignment.    Colonel Sandlin served in the Italian Campaign of World War II as a platoon leader and also as a Company Commander.  His units ran the full gamut of small unit actions, with patrolling, attacking, and defensive actions all being employed fully.  He has seen the mud, the hills, and the boondocks of Italy under fire.  He commanded the Third Battalion of the 5th Cavalry Division in Japan just after the close of the Korean War.  Colonel Sandlin’s assignment just before coming to 1st Brigade was with the G-4 Division of USARPAC in the Plans Section.    Colonel Sandlin feels that the most rewarding part of his service has been the satisfaction of seeing people work through hardships and successes with him, building up an spirit de corps so that they wanted to serve together again.  The pride that comes from seeing such an attitude after difficult and strenuous tactical unit operations is very gratifying and makes leading a unit very much worth every effort involved.    Looking back on his career thus far, even though it is quite obvious that Colonel Sandlin is and has been successful, if he could begin his career all over again, he would start studying earlier and doing sooner.  He feels that to do this would help everyone in the Army today to be better able to serve in any capacity in the future.  No one can let himself drift along and be as fully beneficial to the nation as if he would work to improve his knowledge and do all he can to accomplish his task, whether he be a private or a general.    The most important aspects of leadership are:  1.  Clearly define the objectives, whether it be on KP or leading a unit;  2.  Establish communications with subordinates as well as with superiors;  3.  Know you own capabilities and those of your unit and abide by them while trying to extend them to their fullest potential;  4.  Make timely decisions quickly and without fear;  5.  Face problems early before they have become critical.  More small things are necessary for good leadership, but Colonel Sandlin stresses these five, with special emphasis on defining the objectives.    Most important for maintaining a condition of combat readiness for the individual soldier is to know what is to be done and to be sure this objective is clearly defined in his own mind.  He must know what the objective of each training period and each detail is, and do his best to fulfill this objective.  Without a knowledge of what is to be done and why, it is very difficult for a unit or an individual to accomplish the mission assigned.  This is valuable and must not be wasted.  The cost can be loss of life for no good reason.    Colonel Sandlin is married and the father of two children.  Other than their military residence, he and his wife Mary, call Small Island near Marathon, Florida, home.  Colonel Sandlin’s children are a daughter Susan, age 16, and a son Sandy, age 13.    An important part of Colonel Sandlin’s philosophy of life deals with change.  “The boat that doesn’t rock is either in dry dock or sunk.”  We must be ready to change in order to fit into our changing world, and that is the mission of the 25th Infantry Division and of the 1st Brigade; to be prepared to meet any combat situation no matter what changes may take place!    First Brigade welcomes Colonel Sandlin and his family and looks forward to serving with him on whatever missions we are called upon to accomplish.

     

Colonel Sandlin receives Brigade crests from Colonel Barton and Sergeant Major Holt.

  

Even the poorest hut in the most backward country today houses people who have an appetite for something better.

  

 

  C H A P L A I N ' S   N O T E S
  
          CHRISTMAS or christmas
  

Christmas is a very special season.  It its depth of making are caught up the hopes, aspirations, and expectations of mankind.  This meaning of Christmas is not always clear, not always recognized for it is often glossed over and sometimes buried beneath Christmas customs and economic demands.    Christmas customs lend glitter to the season and tend to boil over into what we call the Christmas spirit – whatever that is – and excessive commercialism, throwing us into economic chaos by reason of our over-spending.  Thus, the Christmas Spirit has given way to the Christmas spirit.  How can we recover Christmas – the spirit that has deep and lasting meaning for all men?    First, we must engage in the search for the real meaning of Christmas.  The real meaning is present despite attendant customs and commercialization of the season, in our better moments, the Christmas meaning emerges and we are struck with the wonder of it – God with us!    Second, as we become conscious of His presence and influence underneath the customs and commercialism, we must follow the longing of our hearts as the Wise Man followed the Star if we would experience the fulfillment of the hearts aspiration.    Here is the Christmas Spirit, not Christmas spirit, in its finest hour, and the human heart responds is awe and wonderment before the angelic annunciation – God is with us! WILLIAM I. JORDAN Chaplain (Major) USA 1st Brigade L-3 CHAPEL Sunday Worship Protestant    0900 – Worship    1000 – Worship Roman Catholic    1100 – Mass    1200 – Mass The Bible is God’s letter to man:  Have you really read it?

  

 

C O L O N E L ' S   N O T E S    1 / 1 4

  

Golden Dragon, Men!    Let’s reflect a little on the history of our fine Regiment.    We belong to an outfit that claims one of the proudest records of battle and longest periods of service among the active Infantry Regiments in the United States Army today.  As your Battalion Commander I frequently receive correspondence from old timers who have served in the Golden Dragons in years gone by.  Everyone proudly identifies the period during which he served as a Dragon and goes on to describe some accomplishment or activity which he took pride in being a part of.    Our Regimental Colors fly no less than 31 battle streamers and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.  Each streamer represents a hard fought campaign in which members of the regiment reflected bravery and gallantry in action.  These campaigns date back to the Civil War and include actions in Peking, China during the Boxer Rebellion, the Indian Wars, the war with Spain in Manila, the Philippine Insurrection, World War II and Korea.    It’s interesting to note that the 14th fought with General Custer in the Battle of Little Big Horn.    We are members of a proud Regiment with an outstanding record of successes in battle. Right of the Line! G. PROCTER, JR. Lt Colonel, Inf Commanding

  

 

WHAT IS OUR GOAL IN VIET NAM?

In helping the Republic of Viet Nam to resist the attack mounted against it, the United States has these goals:    An end to the fighting and terror in South Viet Nam; preservation of the freedom of the South Vietnamese people to develop according to their own desires, without outside interference and without serving the policy of any other nation, and establishment of the authority of the government in Saigon over all territory south of the 17th parallel.    The Communists charge that the United States seeks to establish a military base in South Viet Nam.  This is false.  We have no colonial or territorial aims anywhere in Southeast Asia, nor do we seek any national military advantage such as the establishment of bases.

  

 

C O L O N E L ' S   N O T E S    2 / 1 4

  

2/14 TO CADRE NEW BATTALION AND OPERATE JGWTC/KARA VILLAGE
  

NO HOLOKAI NOW – CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

These past few weeks have seen much activity directed toward reorganization of the 25th Infantry Division.  As most of you now know, the 1st Bn, 14th Infantry, has been attached to the 3rd Brigade.  The 5th Bn, 21st Infantry, has been attached to the 1st Brigade.  Both the 2nd and 3rd Brigades are in HOLOKAI status.  Meanwhile – back at the ranch – the 2nd Bn, 14th Infantry prepares to take over and operate the Jungle and Guerrilla Warfare Training Center and Kara Village.    It now appears that we will not be required to furnish cadre for the 4th Bn, 21stInfantry and that we will stay together as an effective operating force.  Temporarily we are involved in the less glamorous missions.  However, someone must do them and they must be done WELL.  It may seem to some of you as though the coach has put us on the bench.  If you feel this way, don’t let it dishearten you.  Keep yourself in shape, because we may not be sitting there very long, and we had best be ready when the coach says “GO”!    In the meantime we have much to do, and I expect a professional performance from everyone – whether it be as a bus guard or a sentry.  An outfit makes itself ELITE by doing the small things well.  If the little, day by day disciplines are well developed in each soldier, it follows that the whole organization (squad or battalion) can meet and defeat the risks and adversities of battle.    Finally and most important of all, I want to leave you with some of my thoughts as we approach CHRISTMAS.  As we train for possible commitment to combat, we can be thankful that our MISSION is an honorable one.  If we must fight, it will be for the goals of PEACE ON EARTH and GOOD WILL TOWARD MAN.  This means ALL men regardless of race, color, creed or country.    CHRISTMAS is much more than just another holiday.  It is a day of vast and eternal meaning.  Standards of conduct and reasons for living were made crystal clear by the stunning example set by CHRIST – the greatest leader of them all.  THINK, PRAY, and be THANKFUL on CHRISTMAS DAY.    Greetings and very best wishes to all GOLDEN DRAGON men – and to their families whether near or far.  For those of you who are separated from your families on CHRISTMAS DAY, I offer a special wish that future CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS can be spent together and that you will take pride in the fact that it is by your service as a soldier that we in these UNITED STATES are privileged to celebrate CHRISTMAS. J. M. SHULTZ Lt Col, Infantry CO, Battle Dragons

  

 

C O M P A N Y   N O T E S   2 / 1 4

  

HHC    Headquarters Company announces the promotion of several of its members to the rank of Private First Class.  These men have shown that they can do the job assigned to them, and Headquarters Company is proud to announce their promotions.  These men are:  Donald R. Briar, John Merry, Morris Mennin, Harry Zuba, John Andrade, Lonnie Bynum, Joseph Campbell, James L. Conley, Gerrard R. Diorio, William Donovan, John J. Dingass, George Freeland, Kenneth Fox, Alan Gest, Johnny Hernandez, Aaron D. Hunt, Jimmy L. Scott, Douglas Sorenson, Stephen Stemac, William Swanwick, Archie Thomas, Armando R. Trevino, Guadalupe Valdez, Douglas Knott, Craig K. Justin, Patrick H. Dake, Roy Day, Frank B. Mezo, David Reusser, Phillip R. Mooney, Robert J. Fuqua, Steven Pittl, Anthony Y. Tayaras, Timothy Workman, Lewis Snow, and Kenneth R. Ellis.    Congratulations!

BRAVO    Congratulations are in order for the following men of Bravo Company who made the “Bird” on 10 Dec 1965.  Promoted from PFC to SP4 E-4 are:  James C. Blackshear, Clinton E. Joell, William Johnson and Russell Miller.    Also a brief reminder is in order for SP4 Bobby Bynum – when rappelling, the object is to crack your fall – not your back.

CHARLIE    Charlie Company proudly announces the promotion of several of its men to the new grades their performances have proven them worthy of.    Promoted from SP5 E-5 to Sgt E-5 is Billy O’Brian.  SP4 E-4s receiving sergeant E-5 stripes are Ignacio Aguon, Gordon Smith, and Dominic Albano.  These men have shown the qualities that are needed for a position of leadership in the unit.    Promoted from PFC E-3 to SP4 E-4 are Roberto Cilette, Rodolfo Cruz, and George M. McGatskill.    Privates receiving their first stripe are:  Marvin L. Smith, Albert Perkins, Kenneth Gattis, David Anderson, Willie R. Daniel, Randall French, Cornelius Henderson, Larry Manifold, Russel McFarren, Vincent Morris, Freddie S. Smith, Edmund Sudler, Dan Uhrich, Rodriguez Vargas, Michael Watkins, David A. Wicker, and Donald Zdzcynski.    Once again, Congratulations, Men!

  

 

Shortly after they were married, my cousin and his stunning young bride were invited to a formal dinner party.  To do justice to the occasion, my cousin’s wife bought a strapless blue evening gown and spent the afternoon in a beauty parlor.  When she paraded in front of her husband, he was speechless with admiration.  “I’m glad you think I look all right,” she said, “But I’m afraid I won’t know what to say.”    “Just say no to the men – the women probably won’t speak to you anyway.”

     

 

THE DRAGON’S TALE is an authorized bi-monthly CI publication for the 1st and 2nd Bns, 14th Inf, APO San Francisco, 96225.  Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Dept. of the Army.  AFPS and ANS materials are used.  Basis of distribution is one copy for every three men in the battalions.  Dates of publication are the 15th and last day of each month.    COMMANDING OFFICERS:                                                     OFFICERS IN CHARGE:                                                    EDITORS:                                                    PHOTOGRAPHER:      REPRODUCTION: Lt Col G Procter Jr Lt Col J M Shultz Capt Pelligrino 1st Lt Deliz SP4 John Kleinjan PFC Dave Hutchinson PFC Vernon Shibla SP4 John Kleinjan PFC David Hutchinson

   

FINAL GAME    The final game of the season for the Titans was a heart breaker.  After a hard fought game where a small break either way could have made so much difference, they lost to Divarty by a score of 7 to 6.  Trailing 7 to 0, 1st Brigade scored a touchdown late in the game and tried for a two point conversion rather than a single point to get the tie.  The attempt failed, and that was the end of the scoring.    Both teams played excellent defensive football on the slippery field, and the score shows just how effective each defense was.  Jordan was picked as the defensive stand-out for the Titans, but the whole unit deserves a lot of credit.    The Titans played very good football the whole season, and every game was well worth watching.  Such a team is evidence of what training and effort can produce in the way of teamwork.

DRAGONS MEET    At 1900 hours on Thursday (23 December) night the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry basketball team plays its sixth game of the season against the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry.  2d 14th has a record of 2 wins and 3 losses while 1st 14th owns a record of 5 winds and no losses.  2nd 14th has victories over 1st and 2nd Battalions, 27th Infantry.    Leading the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Battle Dragons are PFC Stamps of HHC, SP5 Smith of HHC, and Pvt Wiley of A Company.  Also tough on the boards are Pvt Jackson of A Co, and SP4 Nelson of Bde Hq.  PFC Cortney of HHC has played a big part in the victories.  He scored 23 points in the 93-57 win over 2nd 27th, and played well against 1st 27th.    Support your Battalion team and come to the 1st Brigade Gym next Thursday night.

BATTLE DRAGON    The 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, officers’ basketball team has gotten off a slow, fizzling start with losses to the 1st 14th and to Division Headquarters.  However, with a little more practice the team should crush all future opponents.  The morale is especially high since the team broke 50 points in the scoring column.    Star performances included Captain Kama, Captain Turner, and Lt. Whitt.  They are ably backed up by Major Powell, Capt Willis, Capt. Blizzard, Lt. Deliz, and Lt. Dwyer, Lt. Blair, and Lt. Blevins.    The next game for “Battle Dragons” is against 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry “Tumbleweeds” at the Post Gym at 2000 held on 20 October 1965.

  

 

   CHERISHED AMERICAN FREEDOM IS RIGHT OF PRIVACY IN HOME

Home is a sacred place to us, a place of refuge, of nourishment for body and soul, of growth and love – home.    This is our world within a world.    And just as we wish man’s bigger sphere to be free and secure, so do we insist on the safety and sanctity of our individual homes.    The Founding Fathers, steeped in the belief of man’s dignity and worth, and wary of jack-booted tyranny against his home and his person, sought safeguards for himself and for all Americans who were to come after them.    In Article IV of the Bill of rights – the first ten Amendments to the Constitution – they showed their concern in these words:    “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”    This fundamental right of privacy is one’s home is a cherished part of America’s freedoms today because we can contrast it with the absence of such decent regard for the individual in other lands.    The abode may be humble, it may be stately, it may be bare, or crammed with elegance, or harbor dark secrets.    But the law-abiding citizen can retire at night, secure in the knowledge that his privacy will be respected; that he will not know the dread of the rap on the door; the unwarranted intrusion into the world of the free American family.    The freedom of our homes is closely allied with another right we hold dear; the right to move about freely at home and abroad.    We move freely in our cities and countries and between states, subject only to the regulations which have been adopted freely for the safety and well-being of society.    The regulations on travel abroad are not denials of the right to move freely, but actually expressions of the government’s concern for the individual’s freedom when he is away from the homeland.    The withholding of passports to areas wherein an American’s freedom and safety cannot be assured – such as Communist China – is an example.    We believe that a man was meant to be free – free to come and go at his will, so long as the exercise of this freedom does not infringe upon the freedom of another.    We believe a man should be free to wrap himself and his family in the intimacy of his home, and be guaranteed against unlawful prying and entry.    These are the bulwarks of the American way of life.

  

 

”Daddy, why can’t I have a little baby sister for Christmas?”    “Well, let’s put it this way, Sis.  There aren’t enough shopping days left.”    An inmate of the asylum, who was pushing a wheelbarrow upside down, was stopped by a visitor who asked:    “What’s the idea?”    “I’m not crazy,” was the retort.  “Yesterday they filled it with bricks!”

”Twinkle twinkle little star How I wonder what you are!” As a child I peered in awe Into the darkened sky. Heavenly bodies there I saw God’s handiwork on high. Now plastic “Echoes” trick the eye, Satellites in orbit fly. Twinkle twinkle little star Now, I wonder whose you are.

  

 

This copy of The Dragon's Tale was obtained and has been generously contributed by John Kleinjan, HHC,  2/14th Inf.

The Dragon's Tale Vol. VIII No. 15  15-Dec-65
Copyright © 2009 Kirk S. Ramsey
Last modified: May 30, 2009