|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Oct 13, 2008 - 10:41:15 AM |
|
|
Uncommon Bond : Screaming Eagle's Stay Connected to Vietnam-era Brethren While Serving in Iraq
By Spc. Rick Rzepka, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA)
May 14, 2008 - 11:25:40 AM
|
Email this article
Printer friendly page
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier investigates a building suspected of being used to store black market fuel in Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
BAYJI, Iraq - This ain't your father's Army. Some say it's a kinder, gentler Army, wary of political correctness and public perceptions. Some say that this has caused Soldiers to lose touch with their roots, to disconnect themselves from the past. But for one Infantry platoon, at the heart of the fight in Iraq, some things never change and they are neither kind nor gentle.
Somewhere, in the dusty expanse of the Salah ad Din province in Iraq, the Tigers are lurking. They patiently wait for their prey in the city and in the desert. They are keenly aware, not only of their immediate surroundings, but of their heritage as well. They know they have some big boots to fill.
Tiger Force, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Over the past 48 years, Tiger Force Soldiers have earned two Medals of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, numerous Silver Stars for valor and countless other commendations. Names like Hackworth, Gertsch, and Gardner are synonymous with the Tiger legacy, which began in the sweltering jungles of Vietnam.
"Out guerilla the guerillas"
In 1965, as the Vietnam War picked up steam, Army brass recognized a need for more unconventional, guerilla style warfare. A young Lt. Colonel in the 101st Airborne Division named David Hackworth proposed that by utilizing small, highly trained units, Vietcong tactics could be effectively countered. The brass liked what they heard and the Tigers were born through highly experienced, hand selected volunteers from the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Their mission: "To out guerilla the guerillas," according to Hackworth, or as MoH recipient Staff Sgt. John G. Gertsch said, "how to really be there, but not be there."
"During the Vietnam years, Tiger Force went through many changes in the full spectrum," said Hank "Doc" Ortega, who served as a Tiger Force medic in 1968. During their time in Vietnam, Tiger Force Soldiers ran the gauntlet of small unit operations, from scouts, ready reaction and long range reconnaissance. "We were basically the eyes and ears of the battalion commander," he said.
"Here is a platoon deep-rooted in history and tradition," said Lt. Col. Peter Wilhelm, "Above the Rest" Battalion Commander. "A platoon that I reserve for the best of the best," he said.
Tigers today, still serve at the behest of the battalion commander in the surly terrain of the Salah ad Din province. To pigeon hole the Tigers, would be to say that they simply serve as the battalion's sniper and recon asset, but like their predecessors in Vietnam they have found themselves covering down on a wide array of missions and have been instrumental in taking high-value targets, weapons caches and IEDs off of the streets, as well as conducting various non-lethal operations.
"We do what is necessary in the area of operations to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices, secure high -value targets and support the division's effort," said Sgt. Josh Smith, Tiger Force sniper section team leader. "Today's battlefield requires so much more out of every element," he said. "There's no arguing that what we are doing today is the graduate level of warfare. You've got to think outside the box or wind up in a box."
The Bond
For Smith and other Tiger Force Soldiers, preserving the Tiger's legacy is an important part of the job. "We do everything with the past in mind," said Smith. "The bond that the current members have with the past members is unbelievable," he said.
During a 101st Airborne reunion event dubbed "Week of the Eagles", in the summer of 2000, Ortega and other Tiger Force veterans returned to Fort Campbell, KY, to give young Soldiers a glimpse into their past and have been dropping in on the Tigers ever since.
"We gave these young men back their history," said Ortega. "We brought names like James Gardner and John Gertsch to life because we knew these men and served with them," he said. "They are not just names on a wall to us, and the young guys deserve to be connected to that history."
In garrison, it is not uncommon for an old Tiger to stop by the battalion to see how the platoon is coming along. During these visits, tales are swapped and the vets get a chance to check out the newest tools of the trade. "Back in the day they were using M-14 rifles with big old Starlight scopes and they were really impressed with the new gear," said Smith. "They get a kick out of it and we get a kick out of doing it because it's just old meets new."
In today's rapidly evolving force, Soldiers often overlook the history of their units and have little or no link with the warriors who came before them.
"I would say it's very rare," said Smith. "I'm in touch with at least a dozen Vietnam-era, Tiger Force vets, and a few in between," he said. "We are very much a big extended family."
Veterans of Tiger Force send care packages and essential items to their deployed brethren in Iraq and have acted as a support system through the hard times.
"December was a bad month for us," said Smith. On Dec. 4, 2007, Tiger Force lost its Platoon Leader, Capt. Adam Snyder and two fellow Soldiers, Sgt. Eric Hernandez and Pvt. Dwayne White to an IED attack. The loss was devastating to Tiger Force Soldiers both young and old.
"When we lost men on Dec. 4th of 2007, it felt the same to us vets as when we lost those we served with…exactly the same," said Ortega. "These young guys are our brothers."
Tiger Force veterans were in attendance at each fallen Soldier's funeral services and were there to provide support to loved ones. "They got in touch with the families, made trips for support and basically did everything they could to make them as comfortable as they could be in their time mourning," said Smith. "You're not going to see that level of dedication, 40 years later, in may other places," he said.
For Ortega, supporting the Tigers isn't a random act of kindness, it's fulfilling the oath of honor and country.
"For my own part, my wife and I spent almost two months at Fort Sam Houston at the bedside of a Tiger who was wounded, assisting him and his family with his recovery," said Ortega. "I would work in the aid-station if I could."
"Doc" Ortega's selfless-service to his country and to the Tigers is the model upon which the latest generation looks up to.
"All I can hope for is that the new Tigers are as receptive to the older guys as we are," said Smith. "They go so far above and beyond. So many people get out of the Army and leave it all behind," said Smith. "They are who we are."
Ortega would like to see more of these uncommon bonds forged between warrior generations. "I think that more and more Vietnam-era veterans, especially of combat units, are making an effort to relocate their buddies and as a part of that effort, they are sometimes making contact with their younger counterparts at the reunions," said Ortega. "We need to make this sort of contact and support far less unusual."
For Smith and the rest of the Tigers in Iraq, bridging the generation gap has bred a sense of respect and admiration to the Tiger name. "We're just proud to know them, you know? "The best thing for us is for them to feel like they're still part of the team."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
 |
| Tiger Force Soldiers investigate a building suspected of being used to store black market fuel in Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| Tiger Force Soldiers scan rooftops in Bayji, Iraq during a recent mission. From Vietnam to Iraq, Tiger Force Soldiers have been at the tip of the spear. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier scans the streets of Bayji, Iraq during a recent mission here. From Vietnam to Iraq, Tiger Force Soldiers have been at the tip of the spear. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier on a recent mission in Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier checks a rooftop in Bayji, Iraq during a recent mission here. Tiger Force Soldiers maintain a close bond with veterans of the Vietnam era Soldiers who served before them and have been instrumental in taking high value targets out of the picture in the Salah ad Din province. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier stays low while crossing a rooftop in the restive city of Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force Soldiers maintain a close bond with veterans of the Vietnam era Soldiers who served before them. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier on a recent mission in Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier patrols the streets of Bayji, Iraq during a recent mission here. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
 |
| A Tiger Force Soldier on a recent mission in Bayji, Iraq. Tiger Force, which is part of the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, is the most highly decorated platoon sized element in the U.S. Army. Tiger Forces Soldiers, past and present, maintain close ties. |
|
|
Comments
Darlene Smith
14 May 2008, 12:19
I am so very proud !! Doc,it meant the world to Steve and I when you call
us after some of the men from Tiger Force were lost on Dec.4th. Your
dedication is stellar !! Josh you know we are proud of you and we Thank God
each and everyday for your service and the service of all the men from
Tiger Force. Those who came before,the present and the future.
God Bless all of you !!
Mom
Randy Thiessen
14 May 2008, 12:39
We stand behind you boy's 110% and never forget it. And josh "sorry'
Sgt Smith now your in print dont get a big head. Your the MAN......
chase
14 May 2008, 14:11
I would like to thank all the couragous men in tiger force as well as the
rest of our men for doing such and unbelievable job. I speak with Josh's
brother very frequently who was a tiger himself and you are some Brave
men.
thank you all!!
-chase Stewmon
Barb Just visiting Soldier's Angel
14 May 2008, 17:08
Praise God for your service, strength and bravery. America is with you
100%. "The Land of the Free, because of the Brave"
www.soldiersangels.org
YOU can make a difference here
"May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home."
Michael Aschenbrenner
14 May 2008, 18:39
As we used to say in the 1968 Tigers "Stay alert and stay Alive." You men
have continued to make us proud. God bless the Tigers. Sgt Josh Smith, you
are doing a fine job.
Mark Laderwarg
14 May 2008, 20:58
Looks like the best of the best.
Skip Sheppard
14 May 2008, 22:02
True Americans are behind you, Tigers. Frank, we are proud of you. Thanks
for being there. Unkl Skip
Cheryl C
15 May 2008, 05:36
Drew, I am praying for you and all the men in your platoon. All of you
are honored and loved for the job you are doing for all of us. Keep up the
good work and know there are people who care about you.
Ron Christian
15 May 2008, 06:38
Without exception, the Vietnam era Tigers are wholly impressed with the
professioanlism, skill and commitment of today's generation of Tigers (and
all soldiers) and appreciate their willingness to embrace history. Our
pride in you is deep.
Dex Kindel
15 May 2008, 06:48
We are proud of you guys. You have our support completely. Josh, we
firefighters miss you out on our front lines. But your front line is so
much more important. Be safe as well as all your men. Talk soon. Dex
Trevor Herb
15 May 2008, 08:58
To all in Tiger Force, we are proud of the job you are doing. There is not
a day that goes by without thinking about all our service men and women
protecting our Country. Josh, can't wait to see you again soon.
David "Fang" Field
15 May 2008, 14:27
Tigers, hang in there. All of us Vietnam Tigers are proud of how you Iraq
Tigers are upholding our triditions.
chuck lockett
15 May 2008, 21:22
This is the place where I get my real news on what is really going on over
there. You guys are doing a great job over there. You are like our big
brother taking to the bums over there to keep save here. I'm just as proud
of you guys as I was with my father who was a corpsman in the Pacific. Real
Americans stand by you and your mission It has to be done like it was on
Peliliu and Okinawa. We can not thank you enough that's from and old surf
rat civilian, get sum for me God bless and stay safe. email me for a beer
when you get back!
MSG Pete Chambers
16 May 2008, 02:35
Tiger Force, think about you guys all the time, Proud of you! I see that
the Tiger attitude is ever present! I will see you guys soon.
CPT Josh Wolff
20 May 2008, 08:45
Tiger Force-I'm proud to hear that you are still setting high standards. I
think of you often and hope to link up again in the future. Tiger Force!
CPT Wolff
Birdman, Mike Chesmore
20 May 2008, 16:34
Ya'll always in my prayers. Someone get back to me on the (1st Tiger
Force 327) shoulder patches. I found some and will have them made-up the
same as these? Thank you, later P.S. come to WA and go fishin' with
me!
Michael Aschenbrenner
21 May 2008, 18:49
Mike Chesmore--what is you email address. All the ones I have are no good
anymore.
Bob R
23 May 2008, 14:22
My grandson is in this unit of 327 and is really proud of his association.
This is a high stress unit that is outside the wire a lot and long
missions. Would not have it any other way . Did not use full name for
obvious reasons.pyd
john
10 Jun 2008, 08:22
show more
Beth
10 Sep 2008, 06:50
The loss of the soldiers on Dec 4th, 2007 was horrible. I know because my
cousin, Jamin Moore, was the only one who survived the IED attack. Please
don't forget him when you are talking about the tigers. Jamin is healing
pretty well, but will be in therapy for a long time yet. Probably close to
2 years. When he heard that he was the only one who survived, it was very
difficult for him to deal with that.
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
