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United States Marine Corps Artillery Association
Historical Center
Welcome!
Welcome USMCAA Marines; We will be converting all common web pages to the multi-regiment association. Again, we please ask your patience; this is a large under-taking. "Currently, Joe is preparing historical documents for the 11th and 13th Marines, retrieved from the United States Marine Corps Historical Center CD ROM's." These historical journals will be added to the 12th Marine collection. There is "NEVER" a charge or fee for use of the historical center. Please enjoy yourselves and let Joe and I know if we need to address an issue - J.O. & M.H.Welcome to the "USMCAA" Historical Center. Our Center has been created to help you, our past USMCAA Marine Artilleryman, with questions concerning activities of the USMCAA while “In-Country”, RVN, 1965-71. The 12th Marines came ashore in July, 1965 and deployment continued through November, 1971. The majority of our Marine artillerymen spent a thirteen month tour in Vietnam. Later in life, they were often left with many unexplained questions or a need to validate their combat service. Others were wounded and medivaced, eventually being taken out of country for medical reasons. All of this left questions concerning the circumstances surrounding their tours and the operations they participated in. Many were never issued a “Combat Action Ribbon” even though they endured hundreds, even thousands of mixed ordinance incoming rounds.Your USMCAA Historical Center has access to a variety of information. The Center is in possession of all regimental, battalion, and small unit information available from the Marine Corps Historical Center concerning the 11th,12th, and 13th Marine Regiments during our service in Vietnam. Our archives also include the “Command Chronologies” of units attached to the USMCAA. This includes the 8” Howitzer units and many others.In addition, the Third Marine Division TAOR covered I Corp. Many operations and battles were fought, especially north of Dong Ha in “Leather Neck Square.” The Hill Battles, Khe Sanh, Gio Linh, Con Thien, Mutters Ridge, and many more. We can, on occasion, research some division requests but that decision will be made by Joe, our Historian.The Historical Center currently is a staff of one, our Historian Joe Oldham. Joe will do everything possible to help you find solutions to your long, unanswered, questions. I am available if Joe thinks your questions are better suited to my experiences.We request you provide as much information as possible to help direct his search. Our goal is meeting your needs. We will not be successful every time but we can assure you, no stone will go unturned in our attempt to answer your request. "About your Historian"
"Vietnam"
I was assigned to Mike Battery Fourth Battalion, 12th Marines, Third Marine Division, an M-109 (self propelled) Battery. My MOS was 2144 (Self-Propelled Artillery Weapons Repairman); I served throughout the northern regions of I Corps during my tour. I arrived in Da Nang as part of a group of replacements for the 3rd Marine Division on 17 September, 1966. I spent the entire 13 months of my tour with Mike Battery, We were deployed at Phu Bai, Camp J.J. Carroll, The Rockpile, Dong Ha, etc. Highway 9 was our main route of travel. I finished my tour on 17 October, 1967."My Personal History"
I was Born in East Texas about 100 miles north of Houston. When I was 3 years old my family moved to Houston; this is home. I lived in the same house until I joined the Marine Corps in 1965. I Still have some of the same friends I grew up with in North Houston. I spent four years in the Marine Corps, most of the training and attitudes developed in the Corps remain with me to this day. After the service I went into Pressure Vessel Fabrication. I started working in a drafting room as a beginner draftsman. using the G.I. Bill to get my education at the University of Houston at night, while holding down a full-time job during the day.My wife Sue and I have been together 37 years. We were married in the Base Chapel, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. We have two daughters, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. We are still in love after all these years.I am a Design Supervisor for an Engineering Company here in Houston still working in Pressure Vessels. Now, when I am not at work I am your "USMCAA Historian;" I am looking forward to working with you and solving the historical questions that you have. I am going to concentrate on "Timelines" and “Unit Histories” among many other items. Please feel free to contact me with any of your questions, my mission is to help you find answers.Semper Fi,
Joe Oldham
USMCAA
USMCAA
