MCRD/ ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Dozens of Vietnam veterans from 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines who were a part of Operation Starlite, visited the Depot Aug. 19, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the first major ground operation of Vietnam.
Their visit included observing morning colors and a graduation ceremony, and a guided tour aboard Parris Island.
Retired Sgts. Maj. Cornelius "Nick" Dorsey and Wes Melton were key figures in orchestrating the reunion of the Starlite veterans.
In the 1970s, a smaller reunion of Starlite veterans was held, but only about 10 people showed up, said Dorsey. He began researching names on the Internet and making phone calls to veterans about a year ago and asked them to come down to Parris Island for the 40th reunion.
While touring the Depot, the salty veterans exchanged stories and rekindled old friendships with Marines they hadn't seen in four decades.
"This is outstanding," said Melton of seeing his fellow Starlite Marines. "I haven't seen these guys for 40 years ... it's just unreal."
During the operation, 5,500 Marines destroyed a Viet Cong base near Van Tuong and claimed 668 Viet Cong casualties. Preceded by a considerable air and artillery assault, the Marines successfully took control of the base, but at a cost of 45 dead and 203 wounded U.S. troops.
Both assigned to different companies during the operation, Dorsey served as an 81 mortarman for Mike Co., and Melton was an 81 mortarman for Lima Co.
According to historical accounts, at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17, 1965, Mike Co. of the 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines took a short ride south of Chu Lai before marching four miles farther south and camping for the night just north of Van Tuong.
Dorsey remembered having to carry a lot of mortars that day because "we didn't know what to expect," he said.
Operation Starlite officially began on Aug. 18, when Marine artillery and jets began to pound the three landing zones west of Van Tuong, according to historical accounts.
Eighteen tons of bombs and napalm were dropped, adding to the firing of 155 mm guns.
"I saw so many helicopters, it looked like a swarm of bees overhead," said Dorsey.
At around 6:30 a.m., the Marines of 3/3 began their beach assault and pushed inland as planned.
"We were taking automatic weapons fire on the landing," said Melton. "They were shooting at us as we were coming in on the beach."
During the operation, Naval ships supported ground units by blocking all attempts to escape via the South China Sea, as infantry units virtually surrounded the Viet Cong, blocking any attempted retreats.
"Engaging the enemy, that was the biggest problem," said Melton. "It wasn't hard to find the objective and take it. It was more a case of survival, doing your job, getting the job done and paying attention to what you were doing. It took two days to get this done."
As most of the heavy fighting was carried out over the first two days, the next five days were used to conduct searches through the villages and wipe out the remaining Viet Cong.
"They were great ... the Vietnamese were great for digging tunnels," said Melton, describing the thousands of "pill box" trenches that were dug by the Viet Cong. "We had people that had to throw grenades in and clear the bunkers. They would go for miles, they could dig so good."
Dorsey and Melton left Vietnam in 1966, but Melton returned for another Vietnam tour in 1968, while Dorsey became the security chief for Marine Helicopter Squadron One - which transports the president via helicopter. Melton later retired from MCAS Beaufort in 1986 after 31 years of service, and Dorsey retired from the air station in 1983 after 30 years of service.
The operation may be long over, but the bond shared by the former devil dogs is apparent even today.
"It's always great to be with Marines," Melton concluded. "I can't think of anything better."