2007 Reunion a Huge Success

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From all reports I received, 2007 E 2 7 Reunion was the best so far and all wanted to know what I had planned to top this one - Heck, I don't know either.

For starters, we had a very good Hospitality room where we had our big party on Thursday, May 3rd, opening night. Even though a lot of us had been up since early-thirty, we all had a great visit - we had sandwiches, beer, crackers, beer, cheese, beer, all kinds of snack stuff, beer, wine, veggie tray, Jim Beam, mixed nuts, Gordons; heck I can't remember all the goodies. We had breakfast here every morning.

Friday, 4 May: Left for DC and went to the Iwo Jima Memorial, then many visited the WW 2 Memorial (I rested) & after a long walk they saw the Korean War Memorial and then we circled around and those of us who were not up to the long walk got to see the Korean Memorial. Then we went to Phillips Seafood and had the VERY BEST seafood buffet most of us have ever eaten. Dang sure was the best one I've ever had.

From there, we went to 8th & I and we held our own formation inside Crawford Hall (as guests of 8th & I) and Jim Smola, who was Platoon Leader of machine guns when I was wounded by a concussion grenade presented me with a Purple Heart. Don Greenlaw also presented me with a set of Miniature Medals - from all of Easy Co. and a Purple Heart Challenge coin given to him by Ed McCourt - which Don then had inscribed with my name. I can't begin to describe the emotions I felt as I received the Medal but I was and am very grateful to receive it. I would like to extend special "THANKS" special to Don Greenlaw for his help in getting thru the ropes to obtain the Medal and to Paul Perdue, Ray Rackow, Robert Modica, Huey Nelson and Mel Downard for their writing of a letter on my behalf attesting to my having received the wound. FYI: I was blown about 8 feet by a concussion grenade while on a combat mission to assault a chinese-held hill about a mile in front of the lines - led by Lt Kelly Joyce.

Enough on that - - - Then we saw the Presidents Own band perform - then the Silent Drill Team stunned us with their precision and flawless performance. We had a long day but everybody really enjoyed it.

Saturday 5 May: I had decided to move our departure time from 11:30 back to 9:30 - - so guess what happened - the busses were 90 minutes late - but we had a good time visiting while waiting - we went to the National Museum of the Marine Corps and had lunch, re-boarded and went to the Base Post Exchange where everybody got to look around to see what they could find - and a lot of folks found a lot of goodies. Tim & I got presents for his kids (my grandkids). Then we went to the Marine Corps Archives and saw a Powerpoint Presentation re E 2 7 of pictures given to them by Col Lilley. I will follow up with an E with their address, etc because they want a lot more pictures & memorabilia from all of us.

Finally, back to NMMC for our Reunion Banquet. We started with beer and some had wine and mixed drinks as we ogled the writings on the wall describing "sayings" about Marines then we had the Buffet, which featured Caesar Salad, Chicken Kiev, breads served with Minnesota Rice and Chefs Vegetables and a selection of Cheesecakes for dessert. I introduced Col. Frederick Tolleson, who then introduced Col John Ripley who made the keynote speech. FYI: Col Ripley is one of the most highly decorated Marines in History - he won the Navy Cross and a Movie was made about him -"THE BRIDGE AT DON HA". Here is a link about Col Ripley - http://www.tfp.org/student_action/activities/ripley.html

Speaking for all who attended (and everybody I talked to told me they loved his speech), he did an truly outstanding job. By the way, his entire speech will be on our website soon. You could tell that he was and is an Exceptional Marine - I personally have never met a more outstanding individual. After his speech, Col Tolleson presented him with an autographed copy of three books written by Joseph F Cody. (another e to follow re books), then we presented Col Ripley with a KaBar from E 2 7 that was inscribed "COL. JOHN RIPLEY FROM E 2 7 MARINES FOR SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY AND TO THE USMC" and then I was presented a Hand Carved and painted set of 4 miniature American Continental Marine Color Guards. I then asked for a time to pay respects to our fallen brothers and to those who have passed away since the war - this is where anyone who wants to can call out the name of Marine who was KIA or passed afterwards. I then acknowledged Don Greenlaw & Chuck Tidwell for their support of the reunion by inserting our Reunion Notices into several publications and then following up with each inquiry and gave each a Marine Corps tie. I then acknowledged Col. Lilley for his support of our reunion and presented him with a personally inscribed KaBar from E 2 7 for his dedication and support of E 2 7. Another long but wonderful day.

Sunday 6 May: After breakfast, about 40 of us went to the Smithsonian National Aerospace Museum and saw all the airplanes as well as the space shuttle. After we retuned, a bunch more got on board and we took off for Gettysburg, PA to see the Battlefield. We (after looking for the dern visitors center) finally found it and picked up an outstanding tour guide who then directed our Marine driver on a course that took us all over the Battlefield while he literally recreated the battle and literally entertained us - - he was outstanding to say the least.

After we re-fought the battle, we looked around for awhile for Seamus Garrahy's (www.gunghosauce.com) place, then called him on the phone and he sent someone to guide us. We had Steaks, bread, beans and Beer (he calls his place "MARINE CORPS STEAKS & BEERS") The steaks were very good, the beans were good but the beer was outstanding but most outstanding of all was Seamus (pronounced SHAMUS) and his hospitality. Taps was played over the Battleground, which was in his backyard as we solemnly stood at attention. All in all, it was a truly fantastic day and a fantastic reunion.

I know I left out a few things and I apologize cause right now, I have to get my rear in gear.

SEMPER FIDELIS,

Troy

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