VMJ 1 - Marine Photographic Squadron 1

Marine Corps BBS

Marine Corps Command Records

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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George Monahan wrote on July 15, 2021

Send Email To GEORGE MONAHAN

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City and State: STRATHAM NH

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: Hi,
My my dad served as vmj1's us navy flight surgeon. Who was the commandersof vmj1 during 1953-54? Was it major Turcot? Any full squadron photos With all members photographed-during 1953-54 available? We had one been long since Lost.
Thank you,
George Monahan(deceased)son of commander GF Monahan USN, He was proud to assigned to vmj1 as the squadron doc.

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Ronald G Wright wrote on January 13, 2021

Send Email To RONALD G WRIGHT

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City and State: HOUSTON TX

Unit: VMJ 1

Service or Relationship: USMC

Comments: Any of you guys left, after 70 years?

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Ronald G. Wright wrote on December 26, 2019

Send Email To RONALD G. WRIGHT

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City and State: VIERA, FL

Unit: VMJ 1

Service or Relationship: USMC

Comments: Lost all contact with guys I served with at K3

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Si Campbell wrote on February 16, 2019

Send Email To SI CAMPBELL

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City and State:

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship:

Comments: Si Campbell of VMJ-1 passed Feb 14, 2019. Served in PoHang 1953-1954. His son found this patch with many pictures of the air wing we have not seen before. Here is one of him and the patch. Any info on the patch wold be appreciated looks to be a pilots flight jacket?

https://pin.it/btoywobfz3wrw6

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Chris Whitehouse wrote on August 17, 2014

Send Email To CHRIS WHITEHOUSE

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City and State:

Unit: VMJ-1, K3, POHANG

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Here is a link to a photo of my father, a Marine pilot, that I have restored and colored. I hope some others will enjoy.

http://i.imgur.com/VWdjRY2.jpg

Keywords: F2H-2P, Pohang, Banshee, VMJ-1

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Johnny Signor wrote on January 3, 2012

Send Email To JOHNNY SIGNOR

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City and State: PALM BAY FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran

Comments: I came across a patch in a grouping of things from a
pilot of VMJ-1, the patch is a small light blue disc
with darker blue border, inside there is a Bug
holding in his right hand a small lightning bolt and
he's swinging his left hand forward , the bug is
light and darker blue detailed and his wings are
white and trimmed blue.
Anyone recognise this Unit emblem ??????????
Please contact me , thanks !
Johnny

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Bill A. Belt wrote on November 7, 2011

Deceased

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City and State: DALLAS TX

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Elizabeth---read your comments about VMJ-1 and your Dad. If you can e-
mail the picture I will take a look and see if any I can recognize. It has
been a long time since those days.

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Elizabeth Miller wrote on September 30, 2011

Send Email To ELIZABETH MILLER

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I have a picture of VMJ-1-1442. There are several
names on the picture. Larry Fellows, Doug Wallace,
Larry Van Deusen,Frank Potter, RT Reed,Skip
Shutt, "Punchy" Reach,and many more that I can not
make out. (They all signed their names.) My Dad is in
the picture too. Can anyone tell me what year this
picture is from? I am trying to research my Father's
history and this picture has me stumped. My Dad
passed away from ALS in 2007. Gen. Marion Carl had
command of VMJ-1 in 1954-55. I just do not know if
Dad was there in 1954. I hope someone knows this
picture. I can make a copy of it.

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Bill A. Belt wrote on July 30, 2011

Deceased

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City and State: DALLAS TX

Unit: MAG-11 VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Went to Korea on troop ship Brewster, at Inchon, Souel, K-3. Unit went to
Atsugi in 1955. Worked in Mapping and Briefing at squadron. Had only
car-- Model A in unit. Painted same color as our Banshees.Played lot of
blackjack and poker.Left Japan in 1956--to Cherry Point. Was in SOES on
base. Played lots of volleyball behind photo lab.Worked with crash crews
as photographer.Did some PR at local events. Discharged 1957

Keywords: VMJ-1 , Mag 11, 1st Marine Air Wing, Parris Island, Cherry Point 

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Robert Lyman wrote on December 8, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: VENTURA CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: trying to keep in touch with family

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Si Campbell wrote on August 30, 2008

Send Email To SI CAMPBELL

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City and State:

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Hey everyone Im sending this in hopes someone remembers Si Campbell of VMJ-1 he served in 1953 and 1954 and worked on the F2H-2P. Im looking to find someone for him from his old unit if you know someone feel free to send me an email.

Keywords: VMJ-1 1953 - 1954

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Jane McGehee wrote on August 1, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My name is Jane McGehee.I'm trying to put a scrapbook together in memory of my dad James N. Milam. I'd like and appreciate any info from anyone who knew him. I'd also like to know if there are, by chance, any photos he had taken still around for the scrapbook. Please contact me with anything you may know.

Keywords: Itami, photolab night crew "Pidgons" early 50's-I apologize if some are misspelled.(Some printing isn't quite clear) Herveca, Brace, Farenbach,Sassen, Osimo, Pazclera, Woodring, Wright

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Jim Hines wrote on June 25, 2006

Send Email To JIM HINES

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello, My name is Jim Hines and I am looking for anyone who knew my grandfather. I would like to find out just how tough of a bastard he really was!?! Were his margaritas that great!?! Hope to hear from you if you knew him....

Thanks

Jim

Keywords: VMJ-1, Albert E James Jr.

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Hector Castro wrote on June 6, 2006

Send Email To HECTOR CASTRO

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City and State: RIO RANCHO NM

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hi,
I am trying to find where to buy a nice scale model of the Banshee with the USMC colors for a relative.
Thanks, Hector

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Claudio Kalicinski wrote on February 12, 2005

Send Email To CLAUDIO KALICINSKI

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I´m looking for pictures of the F7F-3p Tigercats of the VMJ-1 in Korea. Since now thanks.

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Charles Hubkey wrote on December 27, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: LANCASTER CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: WOULD LIKE TO GET IN CONTACT W/ ANYBODY WHO SERVED IN VMJ1 PLANKHOLDERS BETWEEN 1952/53

Keywords: BILL CHAMBERS,SHOE MONROE,ALVIN PECKA,MR.SHACKELFORD,JOHN WHITE

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E.R. Johnson wrote on December 20, 2004

Send Email To E.R. JOHNSON

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City and State: MOUNTAIN HOME AR

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I'm an aviation writer and would like to obtain enough material to write a book that tells the whole story of Marine Aviation's photo-reconnaissance activities--formation, training, organization, operations, personnel, etc.-- during the Korean War period, 1950-1954. My late father, Col. Ector R. Johnson, Jr., USMCR (ret), served with VMJ-2 and VMJ-1 during Korea, then became CO of VMJ-1 in 1957.

Keywords: Marine Aviation Photo-Reconnaissance 1950-1954; 1st MAW Photo Section, VMJ-1, VMJ-2; F4U-5P, F7F-3P, F2H-2P; MCAS El Toro, MCAS Cherry Point, K-3

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E.R. Johnson wrote on December 20, 2004

Send Email To E.R. JOHNSON

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments:

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William Pless wrote on September 5, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: JASPER GA

Unit: VMJ-1 FMAW

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Served in VMJ-1 photo recon squadron during 1954 and during move to NAS Atsugi, Japan; line radio shack.

Keywords: Nickname: Bill; serviced Banshee jet, electronics

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Robert F. Dorr wrote on August 3, 2004

Send Email To ROBERT F. DORR

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I'm trying to contact Marines who maintained
or flew the F2H-2, F2H-2P, F2H-3, and F2H-4
Banshee for a coming history article for Marine
Corps Times newspaper.

I'm also looking for Marines with experience in
the PBJ Mitchell in World War II.

Robert F. Dorr
3411 Valewood Drive
Oakton VA 22124
(703) 264-8950
robert.f.dorr@cox.net

Keywords: Banshee

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Matthew B. Peck wrote on July 5, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: USMC RET.

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: In the past I have chatted with Rocky Kemp and a few others. Still pokimg along at 75. Who else is still ot there?
Buck Peck

Keywords: C.O. Lt.Col Carl.

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John E. Foley JR. wrote on June 11, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ADAMS TN

Unit: VMJ1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments:

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Braxton Bradford wrote on February 14, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TAMPA FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: greetings. looking for information and/or photos
of Lt Harley S Hardin. any help would be greatly
appreciated. best, braxton

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Ted Ponticelli wrote on August 27, 2003

Send Email To TED PONTICELLI

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City and State: POST FALLS ID

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: Remember, Every man a Tiger in VMJ-1....

Keywords: VMJ-1, F2H2P, if I remember was the aircraft, was skiing in McCall, Idaho a few years ago, ran into a former member. We spoke of Col Carl, sad how he died, think maybe we as former members should name the Squardron after him, what say you?

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Chuck Holzapfel wrote on July 21, 2003

Deceased

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City and State: SANTA CLARITA CA

Unit: VMJ-1, CAMERA REPAIR - INSTALLATION

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Wondering if any of the old USMC 4611s are still around?

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Jim Hollingsworth wrote on July 14, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: VMJ-1 Sep. '54 - Sep. '55

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Joe Brennan wrote on February 12, 2003

Send Email To JOE BRENNAN

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am researching air combat operations of USMC squadrons in Korea with aim of writing about it. VMJ-1 had encounters with MiG’s on at least 7 occasions: 11 Mar, 24 Apr, 8 May, 13 Jun, 3 and 11 Jul, and 7 Aug all in 1952. Does anyone know more about these incidents, or other encounters, first hand or otherwise?

Keywords: units, aircraft

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Robert Johnson wrote on February 5, 2003

Send Email To ROBERT JOHNSON

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City and State: ROCHESTER NY

Unit: VMB433(WWLL) VMJ-1(KOREA)

Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea

Comments: K-3 was not the worst duty in the world, Being
an unattached squadron gave us lots of
opportunity for mischief, but also denied us
access to a lot of the fancier venues on the
base. Master Seargent Vogel, my own mentor,
managed to solve almost all of our problems.
And don't forget, flying the Banshee was a joy.

Keywords: Moe Pettine Blair Belden
Doc Lanferseik (spelling?)

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Thomas Whitehouse wrote on December 22, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: STAFFORD VA

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Happy holidays Leathernecks! I am trying to track down any friends, contacts, photos, information on my Dad's squadron in Korea. His name is Phil Whitehouse (Captain) and was in Korea from 52-53. I trying to put this together as a suprise for his 79th Birthday in June '03. Thanks for the help!

Semper Fi!
Thomas Whitehouse
Major USMCR

Keywords: VMJ-1

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Billie G. (Bill) Browning wrote on October 22, 2002

Send Email To BILLIE G. (BILL) BROWNING

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City and State: QUINCY IL

Unit: VMJ-1 MAG 33 K-3

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Looking for person/persons who served with Cpl
John A Krisch who worked in VMJ-1 lab 1952/1953

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Dominick Basile wrote on August 24, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: remember we had a black goat mascot. sgt pasternak, calif., led the radio shop. soon after I remember (or think i remember) they sent the whole shop home 'cept me and the gunny, who really didn't get his hands dirty. still have my silk jacket with globe and rooster. also lighter.

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Alan Carey wrote on August 22, 2002

Send Email To ALAN CAREY

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City and State: ROUND ROCK TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I'm Alan C. Carey, an author of several books on USN and USMC Aviation. I'm searching for veterans who served with USMC Squadrons that flew the F7F Tigercat. The purpose is to include information and photos for a book on USMC Tigercat Squadrons.

Keywords: F7F, VMJ-1, VMF(N)-513, VMF(N)-542

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Dave Gruel wrote on August 4, 2002

Send Email To DAVE GRUEL

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Am looking for anyone who knew my father-in-law's brother. His name was George H. Mennig, Jr and his nickname was Sonny. He was apparently killed while flying in November, 1954. If anyone has any more information, it would be greatly appreciated. His wife is looking for any details of what happened as the military did not give her any details.

Keywords: VMJ-1 Pohang

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Milton Riggs wrote on March 8, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BELLEVILLE MI

Unit: USAF 69TH FBS, 58TH FBGP MILTONRAT K-2

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: As the errant pilot of this screw up, I am looking for anyone who was present

Keywords: On 17 June 1953, Republic F-84G, tail number 077, landed long on a rainy night, ran off the end of the east runway at K-3, turned around at the bottom of the hill, and taxied back up before the C-22 wrecker arrived.

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Neil (Skip) Young wrote on December 8, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Engine mechanic and Plane Captain, MW-3

Keywords: VMJ-1, 30th draft, Feb 1953-May 1954 K-3 Pohang

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Richard Greaves wrote on March 9, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KIRTLAND OH

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: VMJ-1

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Richard Greaves wrote on March 9, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KIRTLAND OH

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: With VMJ-1 54-55 K-3 and Japan Have info on Art Holden and T.E.Jopes

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Thomas Lancaster wrote on January 5, 2001

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: I was at Pohang in 1953. Met some of the old Squadron at the Aviation Recon reunion in Ithica this summer. Great time.

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Blair Belden wrote on December 21, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HIGHLAND CA

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served under Maj Turcotte/Col Carl at K-3. I'd like to correspond with others from the squadron. I've made a couple of contacts and would like many more. I was a dumb Lt pilot at the bottom of the food chain. Appreciate a contact.

Blair Belden

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Ray Lynch wrote on July 17, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CRANFORD NJ

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: A member of the Recon Assn. Attend most of their reunions. would be great to contact others who served. Mechs Pepiton and Buckley

Keywords: SGT. 22nd Draft MOS 6412 Mike Willie 2 one of our Korea Banshees is in the Air Museum at Pensacola

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Billie G. (Bill) Browning wrote on April 24, 2000

Send Email To BILLIE G. (BILL) BROWNING

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City and State: QUINCY IL

Unit: VMJ-1 11/52------10/53

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Served at K-3, was avaition clerk..would like to hear from anyone who served in VMJ-1

Keywords: I SERVED WITH VMJ-1, MARINE PHOTOGRAPHIC SQDN ONE FROM NOV 52 THRU OCT 53..WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM FORMER SQDN MEMBERS WHO SERVED DURING THAT TIME.

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Lawrence Ferris wrote on March 22, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BLACK CANYON CITY AZ

Unit: VMJ-1 54-55

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: VMJ-1 54-55

Keywords: VMJ-1 from feb. 1954-feb. 1955.About a month after we moved to Atsugi I went back to states.

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Stanley P. Poirier wrote on February 21, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SALEM MA

Unit: VMJ-1

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Served as a member of Marine Air Squadron VMJ-1 while under the command of Maj. Turcotte and Col. Marion E. Carl. Total time spent was 13 months between K-3 Korea, Atsugi Japan, Tinan-Tiwan Formosa.

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Rocky Kemp wrote on November 28, 1999

Send Email To ROCKY KEMP

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City and State: SWEET HOME OR

Unit: VMJ-1-2-3 VMCJ-1-2-3

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Marine Corp Aviation Reconnaisance Association.
I just looked over the roster and there are many who should be there and aren't. This is the perfect way to keep track of former squadron mates and keep the momories of photo recon alive.
Address is; MCARA
1303 N. Vista Place
Anaheim, CA 92805-1338
Semper Fi
Rocky Kemp

Keywords: Lots of photo people as well as many other MOS's.
I was a 4611 and a salty pain in the ass!! Cherry Point, El Toro, K-3, Atsugi.

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Richard Greaves wrote on November 10, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: KIRTLAND OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: In Squadron 54/55 part of move to Japan. have info on Dave Crawley, Art Holden, Terrell Jopes looking for Newton Leroy Butts

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Lee Paquette wrote on November 8, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HENDERSON NV

Unit: MARINE PHOTO SQUADRON VMJ-1

Service or Relationship:

Comments: Would like to hear from any fellow Marines
serving in K-3 Pohang Dong ,Korea in MAG-33
Marine Photographic Squadron One VMJ-1
1953 and 54. Sgt. Lee Paquette NCOIC Operations,
OIC of Operations was Major D. Green.

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Donald Lyman wrote on November 20, 1998

Email Update Needed

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City and State: WILMINGTON MA

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: SERVED W/ MARINE PHOTOGRAPHIC SQUADRON ONE (VMJ-1) (1953)

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