Where Are They Now?

This page includes the present known status of 14th Bn and 7th Group Members including a memoriam to those who have gone before us in Battle and in civilian life.

Individuals with a * either have an Obit or a more in-depth summary (Expanded Status) of their past and present status has been added. If you would like to be included in Expaned Status, please submit additional information about yourself. If you know of a death and would like to include an obit or personal comments, please contact me.

Names in blue In "Brief Known Status" have an email address, but be advised it may not be current.

If you have information for this page please contact me .

A new (1/2014) feature is a Query Page that will allow you to post a search for someone you would like to find who served in the unit. You will need to contact me so that I can post the search. I will need permission to use your email address for others to contact you.

Brief Known Status

Name	Unit and Year(s)	Known Status
Eric Alberts	14th Information/Research 1961-63	Became an artist and has works in private and museum collections in US, Asia and Europe. 1940-2010.
Jim Aguirre	14th Hq /1963-65	Retired as Public Affairs Director for Peace Corp. Seattle Wash area.
Ray Ambrozak	Lt. 16th PsyWar Company 1963-65 Okinawa	Retired LTC. Harker Heights Texas
Darrell Arnold	Sp3 16th PsyWar Co Loudspeakers 1961-63	Darrell died of natural causes in 2005. He lived in Maryland
PFC Aytes	KD 1961	Killed Traffic Accident 1961
Irving Barker	LTC & XO of 7th Group 1967	Deceased in 1999. Wife Helen may be contacted.
Chris Battis	KD 1962-65	Chilcoot CA
Col. Harold Bentz* Jr.	Plans Officer for 14th PsyOps Hawaii Then Okinawa. 1968-72 Commanding Officer 7th PsyOps Group Okinawa	Click For Expanded Status. Died 2011.
Michale Bercutt	Lt. 15th Det of 7th Group 1966-1967	Semi-Retired. Owns Small Custom Bld Firm and Lives in Portland, OR
Donald Berger*	Captain 7th PsyOps Assist S-4 1968 Okinawa	Retired as a Major in 1985. Lived in El Paso Texas. Died Sept 2016. Click For Expanded Status
Britt A. "Blackie" Bowden	KD 1958-59; Japan Det 1959-60	Died of Cancer in 1980's
John Blanco	1st LT 7th PsyOp 1968	KIA Vietnam 12/17/68
Arthur B. Bleau	Sgt 14th PsyOp 1962-63, Okinawa	Died Heart Attack 1994. Served with MACV at My Tho Vietnam 1964-65 and was awarded Air Medal and Bronze Star. Served at Ft. Benjamin Harrison with DINFOS and also served in Germany.
Jerry Bledsoe	Information Specialist 14th Bn Okinawa 1961-63	Became an Editor of Esquire Magazine and Published Best Seller True Murder Mysteries. Currently lives in North Carolina.
James E. Braatz*	GS13 Chief Radio Branch 15th Det. 1968	Died in St Croix Falls Minn at age of 88. See Obit.
John H. Bullard Jr.	Command Sgt Maj. 7th Group Okinawa 69-71	Retired after 30 years in Army. Deceased of Cancer in 1991 at Home in Fort Bragg
Larry Bullington	16th Co. 1962-63	Retired Law Enforcement Indianapolis Indiana
James Byrd	Supply SGT 24th PsyOps KD 1967-69	Retired Army Jan 1984 as SFC. Currently lives in Salley SC.
Richard Crecelius	CO Korea Det..1960-62	Retired Col. Deceased in Florida 1989
Paul Carolan	KD 1958-62	Deceased April 2002 or 2003. Lived in Georgia
Robert Conrad	14th RB&L Hawaii 1956-57	President Cleveland Radio Station WCLV
Steve Cook	24th PsyOps Kanghwa-do Korea 1969-79	Presently works at Naval Base in Maryland
Jim D'Amato	16th Co. 7th Group Okinawa/Thailand/Cambodia 1970-71	Lives in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and works in Electronic Security
George Endicott	7th PsyOp 1970-71	Mayor of Redmond Oregon (2014)
Jay Eubanks	16th Co. 1962-63	Logan Utah. Affiliated with Radio KKEX
John Scott Gantt*	MAJ 7th Group S-3 1969-71	Click For Expanded Status. Died 5/31/11
Jack Giza	14th RB&L Hawaii1957-58	Retired Staples MN
William Gearing	7th PsyOp 1968	KIA Vietnam 5/19/69
Takio Goshi	CPT 7th Gp. 15th Det. 1966-68
Harold Grady*	Col. 7th Gp.S-3 1966-1968	Click For Expanded Status Died 5/10/11
Richard Hardy	KD 1962-63	Self Employed Electrician. Nantucket, MA
Larry Hartley	VUNC Okininawa 61-62	Retired Researcher Eli Lilly 2005
Alan Bates Harriman*	CPT 14thPsyWar Bn 1963-64	Click For Expanded Status KIA Vietnam 1964
Richard Hessling	16th Co. Okinawa/Thailand 1972-73	Killed in Motorcycle Train Accident in Thailand
Dick Himes*	13th Communication Squadron/313 Air Division/5th AirForce Deragawa Okinawa 1955-57	Died April 10th 2015 After Aortic Surgery in Wayzata Minnesota Click For Expanded Status
Orion J. Hyde*	LTC 14th Bn 7th Group 1969-71	Served in Cambodia. Died Jan 24, 2013 Click For Expanded Status
Michael H. Johnson	SSG 7th PsyOp Group 1969-1971	Died In California March 3, 2016 of COPD and Pneumonia Click For Michael's Tour Account
Richard Jump	LT 15th PsyOPs Det. 1962-63, TDY Vietnam	Served in Engineer Army Reserves and retired in 1984 at LTC
Jeremiah June	7th Group 1969	KIA Vietnam 5/19/69
Dennis Kaliser	7th Group/15th Detachment 1965-66 Okinawa	Works in Printing Industry and Lives in Israel
Jack Kellner**	VUNC KD 1960-62	Click For Expanded Status Retired (1999) in Sonoma, CA after 40 years in Honolulu Radio and TV. Died of Cancer 2012.
Rudolph Kofoet*	Lt 14th Hq 1962	Click For Expanded Status. Died Cancer 1990's Retired LTC
Russell Kucharski	KD 1961-63	Cudahy Wisc. Will Retire from Water Utility in Feb 06
Glen P. Kump	14th Hq/1963-64	Programmer/Analyst Waterloo, IN
Sidney Lynn Labarr	15th Det	Died in 2011. Was a Cab Driver and Actor in Denver CO.
Lolly Sciriaev	LT 18th Platoon/Co. 14th PsyWar & 7th PsyOp Group	Died in Montgomery County, NC in 2003
Ed Masters	KD Dept Army Civilian 1960	Chief of Production For AFKN, Deceased in 1979 or 1980
Al Maza	16th Co. 1962-63	Wenatcher or Ellensburg Wash. St.
Micheal Merkel*	1st LT 7th Group 1968	Click For Expanded Status KIA Vietnam 3/24/68
Rob Michael *	LT 14th Bn 62-63 Printing/SF Counterinsurgency	Click For Expanded Status
George Mikuchonis*	KD 1960 Vietnam/Japan/Okinawa	Retired as CWO3 and lived in Killeen TX Died 5/8/11 Click For Expanded Status
Craig Morris	KD 7th PsyOp 68-70
Charlie Nahlik	CPT 7th PhyOp 1966-68	Retired as Col. Lives in St. Louis Missouri
David Ogonowski	16th Co. 7th Group 66-67	Project manager for mining industry
James Pastore	7th PsyOp 1970	KIA Vietnam 4/9/70
Mike Peters	7th Group 15th Det. 1967-68	Won Pulitzer Prize in Journalism 1981; Author of Popular Comic Strip Mother Goose and Grimm
Tom Pry*	14th RB&L (VUNC) Korea 1957-59	Retired Radio Broadcaster, Searcy Arkansas ; Died 12/21/07 Click For Expanded Status
Bob Richards	KD 1960-61	Tracy City TN; Retired from the SCL Railroad on disability
Leonard Sibel	7thPsyOp 1966-67 Okinawa	Radio Announcer Fresno Calif.
John D. Snell	7th Group 1965-67	Retired Oil Worker (Alaska). Raises Quarter Horses in Oklahoma
Aarne Soderlund*	1st RB&L	Immigrated to USA from Finland in 1940 at age 15 and served in US Army during WW2 and Korea. He married Teru Matsuzaka, had three children and settled in the Cleveland Ohio area. He passed in August 2014.
Steve Southerland	16th Co. 1962-63	Mailman in Topeka Kansas
Carol Steiner	7th Group Civilian Secretary	Carol died Oct 17, 2012 of Bowel Cancer. She was a secretary to S-3 MAJ John S Gantt in the 1970-72 time period. She lived in Sarina Queensland. Her husband Dan was MARS Operator for 7th Group and presently lives in Canberra.
Gary Taylor	7th PsyOp 1967	KIA Vietnam 6/12/67
Steve Tedrow	7th PsyOp 16th Co. 1966	Died in Alsea Oregon 9/18/04 at age 61
Kenneth "Boris" Thayer	7th PsyOp 1970-71 Offset Pressman	Died Michigan 11/19
Cal Thomas	16th Co. 1962-63	Wash. St.
Charlie Thun	16th Co. 1964-65	Retired, Fremont Ohio
LT Ventzek	Exec KD 1960	Died Brain Hemorrhage in 1979
William K Usher*	16th Co. 1961-63	Fayette, Cumberland N.C, Deceased 1997 Click For Expanded Status
Carl Yasuda	LT 14th PsyWar & 7th Group 1965-67	Retired as Major. Lives in Hawaii

Members KIA Vietnam

NAME	UNIT	DATE	MEMORIAL PANEL
1st LT John A. Blanco Jr.	7th PsyOp Group	12/17/68	36W-32
Sp5 William C. Gearing	7th PsyOp Group	5/19/69	24W-54
CPT Alan Harriman	14th PsyWar Bn	8/15/64	01E-62
Sp4 Jeremiah June	7th PsyOp Group	5/19/69	24W-54
1st LT Micheal Alvin Merkel	7th PsyOp Group	3/24/68	46E-09
Sp4 James J. Pastore Jr.	7th PsyOp Group	4/9/70	12W-115
Sp5 Gary L. Taylor	7th PsyOp Group	6/12/67	21E-96

Expanded Status

Rob Michael (11/27/06)

Tim

Thank you for responding to my email regarding a listing in your compilation
of "Where Are They Now." I was commissioned a 2nd Lt through the Kent State
University ROTC program. I went on active duty in September, 1961 and
completed Adjutant General Basic Officer's Course at Ft. Benjamin Harrison
in November, 1961. I served as the Acting Secretary, Special Warfare
School, Ft. Bragg, N.C. until beginning the Psychological Operations Officer
course in January, 1962. From March to June, 1962 I was Section Leader,
USBVA-Pacific, Printed Media Section on Okinawa. During the period
June-December of that year I served as a Psychological Operations Officer,
First Special Forces Mobile Counterinsurgency Team in Chaing Mai, Thaildand.
Upon returning to Okinawa I was named Assistant Editor, Shurei No Hikari
(Light of the Land of Courtesy) a 48-page monthly Japanese language magazine
distributed in 75,000 copies throughout the 48 inhabited Ryukyu Islands. As
mentioned in another email to you, I took and passed the U.S. Foreign
Service written exam while in northern Thailand and, on my last day of
active duty in September, 1963, I took and passed the FS oral examination in
Washington, D.C.

I retired from the FS (USIA) in 1991 following a series to overseas tours in
Malaysia, Austria, Paraguay and Germany. I held a series of post-FS
positions including fund-raising stints for a biotech research entity and
for the Smithsonian Institution. Among my extracurricular activities I
served four years as a Trustee of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and as
an advisor to the George C. Marshall International Center in Leesburg,
Virginia. Looking back on all that I have accomplished professionally, I
regard my two years on active duty as the most edifying, challenging and
satisfying period of my life. The military teaches a person more about
him/herself than any other field of endeavor. At the same time, any
individual who has worn the uniform in any capacity and at any rank will
always have the huge reward that comes from having fulfilled one's duty and
exemplified personal honor in serving the Nation and its citizens.

Rob Michael

Col. Harold F. Bentz. 1925-2011

Plans Officer For 14th PsyOps Hawaii and Okinawa. Commanding Officer 7th PsyOps Group Okinawa 1968-1972

Col. Harold F. Bentz, Jr., known as "Brick," was the son of Harold and Amelia Bentz.

He graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1942 and then earned a B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1946 and a Master of Arts in political science from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1954.

Starting in 1946 as a second lieutenant of infantry, he served in the U.S. Army for thirty years, retiring in 1976. During his military career, Col. Bentz held staff assignments from platoon level to the staffs of Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense. He was first assignmed as assigned as a platoon leader in the 21st Infantry, 24th Division located at Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu Japan in 1947. The next year he served as the legal and government officer with the Nagasaki Military Government Team overseeing the Prefecture of Nagasaki during the military occupation of Japan. He later returned to the 21st Infantry as a Company Commander.

Upon his return to the U.S., Col. Bentz was named company commander in the 14th Regimental Combat Team (Mountain), the last remaining ski troops following World War II, at Fort Carson, Colorado. His next assignment was as a battalion operations officer in the 30th Infantry Regiment at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was then selected for an advanced degree, attending Tulane University, after which he was made instructor at the Special Operations School at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. His next assignment was in Hawaii, where he become plans officer for the 14th Psychological Operations Battalion, which he would later command, moving it to Okinawa. Returning stateside, he was assigned to the staff of the 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

In 1961, he was assigned to the staff of the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam. Because of his training and experience in Special Operations in Vietnam, Col. Bentz was selected to join the operations staff (DCSOPS) in the Army headquarters at the Pentagon, and three years later he was elevated to the Special Operations staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he served for five years.

In 1967, he joined the 4th Infantry Division in the highlands of Vietnam, where his assignments included the division staff, infantry battalion commander and deputy brigade commander, which position he held during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

For the next four years, Col. Bentz commanded the 7th Psychological Operations Group on Okinawa, responsible for military propaganda operations throughout the Far East and Southeast Asia.

He then joined the staff of the Pacific Command (CINCPAC) in Hawaii. His final assignment before retiring in 1976 was in the office of the secretary of defense at the Pentagon.

Col. Bentz's awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with V device for valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with four battle stars, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Returning to the Adirondacks, he took an interest in community affairs, serving as district commissioner of the Boy Scouts, a board member of Meals on Wheels, a member of Rotary and president and longtime board member of the Saranac Lake Free Library.

Source: Adirondack Daily Enterprise, February 23, 2011

Major Donald Berger 1943-2016)

Captain 7th Group. Assist S-4 1968 Okinawa. Click For 2014 Picture

Donald Raymond Berger, Sr., 73, of El Paso passed away peacefully on October 2, 2016. He was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on September 25, 1943. Don spent 22 years in the U.S. Army where he completed two tours in Vietnam. He was stationed in Okinawa, Ft. Riley, Kansas, Germany, Fort Bliss, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio. He also worked 20 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He loved Starbucks coffee, golfing, watching football, traveling and spending time with his family. Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eleanor; his four children: Donald Berger Jr., wife Nancy; Dennis Berger, wife Miriam; Jenn Lopez, husband Miguel; Jill Rogers, husband Jeremy; Grandchildren: Jaclyn, fiancée Ray Koenig; Brittany Rutelonis, husband Zach; Aaron; Nessly Judice, husband Dustin; Anthony, Taylor, Madison, and Karen; Great-grandchildren: Christian, Chloe, Aidan, Nickolas and Mason; as well as his brother Marlin Jr. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Marlin Sr. and Jennie. Celebration of Life: Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Mt. Carmel Funeral Home, 1755 N. Zaragoza. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Attendees are asked to wear green in support of Don being a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be donated to Hospice El Paso in Don's name at 1440 Miracle Way, El Paso, TX 79925 or the American Cancer Society at 10801 Gateway West #500, El Paso, TX 79935.
Published in El Paso Times from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11, 2016- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/elpasotimes/obituary.aspx?pid=181739994#sthash.xJmIxC1f.dpuf

John S. Gantt. (5/31/2011)

Maj 7th Group S-3, 1969-1971

John Scott Gantt of Cross City, Florida, passed away at his home Tuesday, May 31, 2011 after a long illness. He was 73.

Scott was drafted into the Army as a private on November 2, 1960, and retired as a Major on December 31, 1980. One of his assignments in Vietnam included assisting a Montagnard village in becoming self-sufficient. This escapade was made into a movie by Walt Disney titled "Operation Dumbo Drop."

Scott's service to this community included running a private electronics business, working as Dixie County Emergency Services Coordinator, as Dixie County Property Appraiser's mapper and as the Town of Cross City's City Manager. His work for our county was not limited to the jobs he was paid for; he was a tireless volunteer and faithful servant who was always available.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley and Julia; his brothers, Fred and Benny and his sister, Carolyn Walker. He is survived by his wife, Joy Ward Gantt, his children, Kim (Bobby) Mann, Michael (Sherry) Gantt, and Candi (Paul) Gainey; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and his sister, Virginia Edgar Chaffin.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 3:00 PM at the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Richardson and Rev. Lester Whitehead officiating. Interment will follow at Cross City Cemetery, Cross City, Florida.

Arrangements were placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home, Cross City, Florida, 352-498-5400.

Published in Gainesville Sun from June 4 to June 5, 2011

Note: The Disney Movie "Operation Dumbo Drop" was based on mission of Major Gantt.

Col Harold E. Grady (5/10/11)

Col Grady was the 7th PSYOP S-3 in the 1966-1968 time frame.

Grady, Harold E. of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the age of 79. Colonel Harold E. Grady served as the Inspector General for the U.S. Army Materiel Command stationed in St. Louis until he retired in 1979. With 30 years of military service, he served in Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Germany and Vietnam. After retiring, Colonel Grady became the founder and President of the St. Louis Apartment Association. He organized the St. Louis Chapter of People to People International and was the President for seven years. Colonel Grady also started the largest Travel Club in the Nation. Colonel Grady was involved in promoting international understanding, peace, and cultural exchanges as an Ambassador of Goodwill with nations around the globe. Born in San Francisco, Colonel Grady graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master's Degree in Communications. He is also a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was an expert in the marital arts, with a Fourth Degree black belt in judo; he competed in national and worldwide tournaments. Colonel Grady's awards include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals for valor, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and many others. Among the survivors are his wife, Donna; two sons, Steven and Jeffry (Ann); two daughters, Sandy (Craig) and Patricia (Larry); six grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild. Services: The family is being served by The BAUE Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO where visitation will be held Sunday, May 15, 2011 3:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral Service 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2011 at Baue Funeral and Memorial Center Chapel, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.

Alan Bates Harriman, CPT 14th PsyWar Bn. KIA Vietnam 1964

Alan Bates Harriman, Capt.
Broadcast/Visual Activities - Okinawa
1st Special Forces Group
KIA 15 August 1964
ALAN HARRIMAN was born on April 8, 1938. He became a member of the Army while in Swampscott, Massachusetts and attained the rank of CAPT.

Alan was TDY from Broadcast/Visual Activities, Pacific - Okinawa, supporting 1st Special Forces Psyop missions.

On August 15, 1964 at the age of 26, Alan gave his life in the service of our country in a helicopter crash.

You can find ALAN HARRIMAN honored on the Vietnam Memorial Wall on Panel 1E, Row 62.

Note: The above information comes from POVA Page at: http://www.psyop.com/kia/harriman.htm

Dick Himes U.S. Airforce Deragawa Okinawa 1955-1957.

Dick was a friend of mine (Tim Yoho) who as a member of the U.S. Airforce helped build the Compound at Deragawa Okinawa used by the 16th PsyWar/PsyOps Company from 1963 to 1972 when the compound was turned over to Okinawa for civilian use. Dick contacted me in 2007 and told me of his and friend Jack Sokol's account of establishing the communication compound at Derawaga. (See Story). Dick was a member of 13th Communication Squadron, 313th Air Division of the 5th Airforce stationed at Kadena Airforce base on Okinawa. Dick also helped me locate the site as it appears today on Google Earth Satellite Images (See Story). He had revisited Okinawa twice since he left the island in the 1950's.

Dick had surgery on his aorta in Wayzata, Minneosota and was home convalecing when he passed away on April 10th 2015. He and his wife Mary had just put a deposit on a home in Naples Florida across the street from his friend Jack on April 8th and would have been next door neighbors, but that was not to be. Jack said Dick would not have wanted a fancy tribute on the web page but instead Jack supplied the following:

Dick was known as a Dinky Man" (dinky is the Japanese word for "electric.". He was responsible along with another airman for providing the power to operate the diesel engines that provided our power. "Dick Himes left Okinawa three times, once as a member of the military, and twice as a civilian visitor. But Okinawa never left him. He loved that island, and it's people."

LTC Orion J. Hyde (1927-2013)

From: Getchell,Don [mailto:Don.Getchell@Cerner.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 5:07 PM
To: tyoho2@comcast.net
Subject: RE:

Hi Tim,

Please add this to the Website – LTC Hyde was my CO at the 14th Battalion (1969 – 1970)

Mr. Hyde, who died Thursday, January 24, 2013, at Huntsville Hospital, was born October 11, 1927. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene McBride Hyde; and son, Samuel S. Hyde. After 34 years of military service, rest would be on the minds of most soldiers, but Hyde's passion for his country and to help others led him to the American Legion Morgan County Post 15 in 1982. He directed the organization as state commander of over 26,000 members. In 1946, World War II was over but the national emergency was not declared over until December of that year. Thus, the draft still was operating. So, Hyde enlisted in June. But that tour of duty ended in November 1947 and he came home and went to Florence State, now the University of North Alabama. He played on their first football team. It was at Florence that Hyde joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and since he already had military service, he was able to skip the first two years of ROTC training.

By the time he retired, Hyde's military service record included serving with the 7th Psychological Operations Group, 1st Cavalry Division, 24th Infantry Division, 11th Air Assault Division, 1st Air Cavalry Division, 7th Army Headquarters, Combat Development Command and the United States Forces Command and Military Assistance Command. "I found out it just suited me to serve people, to serve the community." Part of that service (an important part) according to Hyde, is the children's programs sponsored by the Legion. "Our programs reach (for) the children because they are the future of this country." Mr. Hyde received the World War II Victory Medal; Parachutist Badge; Vietnam Parachutist Badge; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Presidential Unit Citation; Army Commendation Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Joint Service Medal; Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (2nd Award); Legion of Merit; Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama and The Mississippi Magnolia Medal.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda L. Hyde of Decatur; one brother, Tharold Andrew Hyde; three sisters, Martha Gay Stack, Pauline Eason and Hazel Dustin..

Thank you,

Don Getchell
Sr. Technology Engineer, Cerner Ambulatory

Jack Kellner (1936-2012) VUNC Korea 1960-62.

Longtime television and radio newsman and former "Poi Boy" disc jockey Jack Kellner died in Sonoma Wednesday night from lung cancer, friends and family said. He was 75.

Kellner's career in broadcasting spanned four decades in Hawaii, where he worked as a news anchor, reporter, assignment editor and news director.

Kellner was a "Poi Boy" on KPOI radio, where he helped popularize rock music among teenagers in Hawaii in the 1960s. He moved on to KHVH radio, working with Bob Sevey, Gene Good and Mason Altiery and did the news for Lucky Luck's radio program before going to work for the McCann-Erickson advertising agency, according to local broadcast historian A.J. McWhorter.

He joined KGMB in 1966 and later worked for Gov. John Burns in 1971 as director of the Office of Information and Youth Affairs.

Kellner was also once the voice of Hawaii Civil Defense, regularly informing listeners that the emergency tone broadcast was "a test of the Emergency Broadcast System."

KHON-TV hired him in 1979 as assignment editor. Later, as news director, Kellner hired reporters Dalton Tanonaka, Chris Parsons and Barbara Marshall. He retired in 1999 after a stint as the station's assistant news director for community affairs.

"He deserves much of the credit for the stability of Channel 2 during that time. He provided advice, friendship and perspective to the journalists who made up the Channel 2 news department during those decades," former KHON general manager Kent Baker said in an article by McWhorter published in 2010.

"He has one of the great broadcast voices of all time and is the funniest guy I have ever known," said longtime friend and broadcaster Don Robbs.

"Jack was special. He had that great broadcast voice and wry sense of humor," recalled Jim McCoy, a partner in Hoakea Communications, who worked with Kellner for years at KHON. "With Jack in the newsroom, a so-so day would always get better."

He recalled newsroom staff playfully wearing Groucho Marx-like glasses and bushy eyebrows to imitate Kellner, trying "to mimic that great voice saying, "'Hi, I'm Jack Kellner.' Fact is, there was only one Jack Kellner, and he will be missed."

He is survived by his wife, Tomeko (Tommie); son, James "Aki" Peters; daughter, Betty Santos; a sister; and five grandchildren.

Obit From Star Advertiser March 6, 2013

Rudolph Kofoet (1990's)

2nd Lt 14th PsyWar Bn (1962-63)

2nd Lt Rudolph Kofoet in 1962 at 14th Hq

Based on a 2004 e-mail from his son, Rudolph Kofoet died in the 1990's of cancer. He retired from the Army as a Lt. Col.. I am waiting for more specific information from his family to include about Rudolph.

It is interesting to note that Rudolph married the widow of Capt Alan Bates Harriman (above) who was KIA in Vietnam (1964).

Michael Merkel (KIA Vietnam 1968)

1st LT 7th PsyOp Group

1st LT Micheal Merkel was a member of the 7th PsyOp Group on Okinawa. He was TDY to the 8th PsyOp Bn and Officer in Charge of Radio Station Pleiku when he was killed during an attack on that station. A full account of this attack can be viewed on "7th Group Accounts Page"

In 2006, Special Operations Media Complex was renamed in honor of LT Merkel: Special Operations Media Complex Named For LT Merkel 7th PsyOps KIA Vietnam 1968

Rob Michael (11/27/06)

Tim

Rob Michael

George Michael Mikuchonis (1933-2011)
|

George Michael Mikuchonis, 78, passed away May 8, at his residence.

Visitation for Mr. Mikuchonis occurred from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. Graveside services washeld at 2 p.m. Monday in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

George was born April 14, 1933, in Exeter, to Stanley and Wanda Lavin Mikuchonis. He was raised in Exeter and attended school there until his graduation from high school. He was also a member of St. Casimir's of Pittston.

George served in the U. S. for 24 years and during that time he served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. (Part of his service was with the14th PsyWar Bn, USB&VA Korea). George retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 and was the recipient of two Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, as well as numerous other commendations.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marion Oh Mikuchonis; a son, Mike Mikuchonis; two sisters, Rosemary Kuzmitsky and Millie Danoski; and two brothers, John and Joseph Yanchowsky.

Survivors include his sons, George, Bobby and Michael; one daughter, Dana Long; a sister, Eleanor Gdovin; and five grandchildren.

Arrangements for Mr. Mikuchonis were under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. You may express your condolences at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com.

Published in Citizens' Voice on May 15, 2011

Bob Richards Comments on George Mikuchonis 5/21/07

Bob Richards indicated that George had an excellent memory about his many tours not only in the Korea Detachment (1960) but also his tours in Vietnam, Japan, and Okinawa. Bob said much of the information he sent me about the Korea Detachment came from George. As it turns out, others have also mentioned George by name. He must have made a lasting impression on many.

George retired as a Chief Warrant Officer and lived in Killeen Texas.

Tom Pry, 14th PsyWar (VUNC) Korea 1957-59

It is with great sadness that I must report the death of Tom on 12/21/2007. Although I had never met Tom, we had a friendship based first on his experiences as a member of VUNC in Korea and then later as a reader and contributor to his web page.

Tom was very helpful in determining the history of the early Korea Detachement and its role in PsyOps. He was a broadcaster and writer in the detachment and continued this profession as a civilian for 38 years. Our friendship continued over several years with good natured humor related to his own web page.

Tom developed and edited a Blog called "The Old Man and The C:\ ...A 60-Something Looks At Life, Past and Present, If Not Necessarily The Future". His page was filled with humor and thought provoking witty pieces written by him and submitted by many others. I don't know how much longer his page will be posted but until it is removed you can access page here.

Tom also wrote for this page "A Memoriam To Blackie" one of his close friends who went with him to Korea, and "The Day The Money Changed", a report of how the US disrupted the currency in Korea in the 1950's. Click Here for stories.

I will miss Tom and hope his humor and wit is not forgotten. He was a good friend and one of us....A PsyWarrior.

Tim Yoho

William K. Usher Jr., 14th PsyWar Bn (16th Co.) 1961-1963

(1942-1997)
Picture Taken at Christmas on Okinawa 1961

According to a son, William Usher Died on 22 Oct 1997 from Aplastic Anemia.

Bill was one of my best friends. He and I met at Ft. Monmouth Signal School in 1961 where we trained as Radio Station Attendants (MOS 270). We were posted to the 14th PsyWar Battalion on Okinawa in March 1961. I left Okinawa in April 1963 never to hear from Bill again. I looked for him over the years but did not learn of his fate until Oct 2004. I discovered his name as an Sp5 in a July 31, 1965 Morning Report for a USASTRATCOM Facility in Phu Lam Vietnam. Bill had evidently reenlisted and was assigned to the Communications Base. Howard Hickman a spokesman for those having served at Phu Lam had no additional information about Bill. I will always remember Bill Usher as I described earlier in this web page:

Every once in a while when I hear someone with a southern accent, I think of Bill Usher and remember an incident at the motor pool.. Bill and I were responsible for maintenance of several vehicles.. One day I asked if he had done any maintenance.. He replied that he had put "ALL" in the trucks.. "ALL"?? ..What is" ALL??" I responded.. He became very indignant and said "I put ALL in the trucks"....."OIL" he spelled.. "ALL".!