Ten Sailors have not received recognition for the sacrifices made in direct support to combat operations in Vietnam.  Their names are not on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, and we need to correct this wrong!  We need to petition our government and respectfully request the names listed below be added to the black granite walls in Washington D.C!

The Crew:
LT Vetal C. LaMountain, 28
LTjg Gale V. Woolsey, 24
ABH3 Richard C. Gaynor, 21
AN James M. VanBussum, 22

The Cryptologists Passengers:
CTOC Donald E. Dickerson, 34
CTR1 Walter R. Woods, 25
CTM2 Gregory K. Zeller, 23
CTO3 James M. Coon, 20
CTOSN Stephen H. Elliott, 21
CTISN John R. Deremigio, 25

Read the Report:
Unwritten In Stone RG 407: https://stationhypo.com/2020/12/12/remembering-the-crew-and-cryptologist-passengers-of-rg-407/

There has been a concerted effort by a small group of people to have the 10 names added to the Wall.  Their research discovered the six cryptologic technicians (CT) posthumously received a Navy Commendation Medal with “V” device.  There is also a possibility the four crewmembers posthumously received the Purple Heart.

Significance of the “V” Device:
According to DOD Manual 1348.33, Volume 4, “For the period from June 25, 1963, through March 31, 1976, the “V” device is authorized if the citation is for an act or service involving direct participation in combat operations.” 

Below is a copy of CT1 Woods’ citation that reads in part:
“Petty Officer Woods performed his duties in an exceptional manner while serving in various assignments in support of combat operations against the enemy, often under extremely hazardous conditions.  Through his attention to detail, technical expertise and initiative, he made many significant contributions to the success of United States naval operation in Southeast Asia.”  Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

Note: Admiral E. R. Zumwalt, Jr., the Chief of Naval Operations, signed the citation. 

Grassroots Campaign:
There must be a deliberate effort to inform the American people to petition the Government to act.  For those who are interested, I respectfully request the following:

Please write your U.S. Congressmen/women and U.S. Senator and request the 10 names be added to the Wall.
https://www.house.gov/doing-business-with-the-house/leases/contact-us
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Military, active duty, retired and Flag/General officers, please write to the Sectary of Defense and Sectary of the Navy and request the 10 names be added to the Wall.

Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000

Office of the Secretary of the Navy
The Honorable Thomas W. Harker
1000 Navy Pentagon, Room 4D652
Washington, DC 20350

If you are a next of kin to these Sailors, or knew these men, please contact me via Station HYPO.  We are looking for documentation that will help in this effort.

Finally, please share this post with your family, friends and colleagues.  If you are a blogger or know a blogger, please share this post. 

The featured image is CT1 Walter Ray Woods’ Navy Commendation Medal with “V” device.

Sincerely,
Mario Vulcano