One of the first historical narratives recording the history of HMM-364 during the Vietnam era was about a South Vietnamese Army troop insert into an area near the village of Do Xa.  As information was received by this Webmaster it became crystal clear that Capt. Woodmansee's life threatening and valiant support of HMM-364 was not recognized appropriately.  Capt. Woodmansee was the flight leader of 5 U.S. Army UH-1B gun ships which provided cover for this troop insertion.  The aftermath of this resulted in Marine air crewmen receiving 1 Silver Star, 16 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 15 Single Mission Air Medals, and 36 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

It turns out that the HMM-364 Awards Board, with the concurrence of LtCol John LaVoy the Commanding Officer, had recommended Capt. Woodmansee receive the Navy Cross.  As it turned out, Capt. Woodmansee was awarded a Single Mission Air Medal.  All who were supported by Captain Woodmansee that day at Do Xa agree that he was not recognized appropriately for his gallant and often life threatening support in an extremely hostile environment.  View the account of Do Xa by clicking here.

Recently,  Warren R. Smith (Former Cpl. USMC) decided to initiate actions to correct what all consider to be a blatant error.  Warren Smith has written to the Honorable Sam Johnson, U.S. Representative from the great state of Texas, requesting that he and his staff initiate a review of this matter.

There follows a chronological sequencing of all correspondence to date relative to this request.

01-17-00    Warren R. Smith's letter to the Honorable Sam Johnson

01-30-00    Franklin A. Gulledge, Jr's. letter to the Honorable Sam Johnson

02-09-00    John R. Braddon's letter to the Honorable Sam Johnson

02-09-00    John R. Braddon's letter to the Commandant of the Marine Corps

02-13-00    John R. Braddon's email to Senators Chuck Robb and John Warner

02-15-00    Franklin A. Gulledge, Jr's. letter to John LaVoy