The SandGram

All hands, looking for Carl John Carlson USMC (NOW FOUND!!)

Carl John Carlson, and the case of the missing sword.

This is one helluva story and so many things are floating around out there about it, so I wanted to write a short piece to clarify and set the record straight on the sword from Derry NH.

Here is the background on the sword and this is from Captain Feole from the Derry Police Department and the man responsible for getting this investigation going as a pet project.  Back in the 1970’s, the Derry Police arrested some youths in a local apartment complex and in the course of their investigation of the premises, they discovered the Marine Officer’s sword.  None of the people in the room claimed the sword so it was brought back to the police station.  The Chief of Police now, Edward B. Garone, was a former Marine on staff there at the time realized that if the sword went into the evidence locker unclaimed that it would be destroyed in the future with all other weapons there. 

Being a Marine, he wanted to return it to the rightful owner since it was most likely stolen.  It wasn’t used in a homicide, so he took on the mission of finding the Officer to return it.  This was a bit harder to accomplish back then due to a couple of factors unknown at the time.  So unfortunately, this pet project went to the back burner you might say.

Fast forward, Captain Feole is in the boss’s office and the sword subject comes up again.  Captain Feole takes on the project to locate a Carl John Carlson whose name is inscribed on the blade.  He emailed Colonel Ford from Leatherneck Magazine and asked for help.  Among several suggestions Col Ford made, he asked for permission to forward the email on Capt. Feole’s behalf to several Marine contacts with access to email lists for thousands of Marines. Permission was granted. It pretty much went viral from there. Marines across the country started the mission to locate the swords owner.

That is when an “All Hands” email went out from Anthony Milavic, a former Marine and highly respected Real Estate agent in Northern Virginia who wanted to help out.  He has connections with Marines world wide and his emails are widely disseminated throughout our community.

I opened my email to see this:

Hello:
 
I am wondering if you may be able to help me or direct me to someone that can.
I am a Captain in the Derry NH Police Department. We are in possession of a USMC Officers sword that was manufactured by N.S. Meyer Inc. The Sword is believed to be stolen property.
The Sword has an officer’s name etched into the name banner. It is Carl John Carlson.
The sword has the Conqueror Trade Mark if that is of any help and has the following etched into the edge of the blade. USMC App. Serial #322.
 After corresponding with the Library of the Marine Corps I was directed to your publication.
We would like to return the sword to its rightful owner or his family.
The sword has been in our custody for a number of years so it is likely the Marine Officer is not currently serving. In fact the Marine may likely have passed away. It was recovered in the early 1970’s.
 
Thanks
I look forward to a response.
George R. Feole, Captain
Support Services Division
Derry Police Department
1 Municipal Drive
Derry NH 03038

 I love a good mystery like anyone else and started to do some digging again but was coming up blank on my searches.  I posted this letter on my website and then sent it out to my Marine connections.  Col Mike McCollum who is the head of our Marine Metroplex outfit in Dallas Texas then forwarded the request to his email list that spans in the thousands.  It took only two days to track down Carl Carlsson and get him reunited with his lost sword.

 I spoke to Carl on the phone while I was down in Miami airport waiting for my plane to arrive yesterday May 2^nd and he was ecstatic about getting his property back after so many years.  After attending The Basic School in 1966, he went to Vietnam for his first tour.  Sometime in the late Sixties, he loaned his sword to a buddy for a wedding up in North East.  This Marine ended up taking his own life (not with this sword like I’ve heard or involved in a burglary like I passed on) and Carl wasn’t able to contact any of the family to get it returned.  He ended up buying another sword and wrote it off.   

Major Carlsson told a great story about the sword to Captain Feole too.  The first time that Carl used the sword, he was walking on Ninth Street on his way to get his name engraved on the blade.  Three guys approached him and tried to mug this Marine with knives.  He says, “Hold on a  minute guys” and pulls the sword from his scabbard.  Needless to say they didn’t steal his money or sword!! They ran like the cowards they were.

 The reason we all weren’t able to track him down was that Carl had changed his name back in 1969 to its original spelling of Carlsson with an extra “S” like his parents had when they arrived from Sweden.  Carl, being a gifted linguist, spent a very interesting career in and out of the Marine Corps, retiring in 1985 as a Major in the Reserves.  I think his story is worthy of a book some day because I was fascinated by just a few of the events he was privy to.  Carl, if you read this, please begin writing them when you go on your next hiatus to Costa Rico.

 So in two days, just two days… the power of the internet, MilBlogs and the bond of Marines tracks down a classmate of Carl and closes a cold case file that should have had a staple in it long ago.  Thanks to Captain Feole, Chief Garone, Major Milavic, Col. Ford and Col. McCollum, a retired Marine is reunited with his sword after thirty five plus years.  Can you imagine what this Marine Corps network could do if put to work?  People wonder why Marines have that round decal on every car they own and are proud to sport the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on their shirts every day! It’s because we are the largest gun club in the world with a tough initiation to join.

Semper Fi,

Taco

Tags: Carl Carlson, Lost Marine officer's sword, USMC

Andrew Diabo, where are you Poser???

Here is a great video that Mr. GreyHawk from the Mudville Gazette put together for me and is on Youtube (I really owe you now brother!!).  Andrew the Poser, is hiding up in Canada somewhere and the folks there should be aware of Diabo and also to keep their wallets in check if he starts begging for money claiming war wounds.

Also the Phillyburbs put out a great piece on Diabo here.  They have taken some heat on him I think and to be fair, Diabo is a skilled actor who could pass muster on anyone without experience in the Military.  Marty even told me that Diabo would stay away from anyone who had past service.  I hate to think that Vets will have to start carrying around their DD 214’s, but for the media, it may come to that so that they are suckered by these posers.

Semper Fi,

Taco

Tags: Andrew Diabo, Fake Marine, Loser, Marine Corps Poser, Poser

Win some awesome stuff, IPAD and book

Andrew Diabo, Red Flags on being a poser.

 Freda asked me what were the Red Flags that I read about.  Here is the first of the two articles.  Below are the facts that I gleaned right off the bat when he gave his interviews.

 Marine Corps LtCol (very possible) aged 38 born in 1971, but when we found out he was Canadian, it shot down the Officer part. You have to be a US citizen to be an Officer because of the clearances needed.

CH-53 Pilot (very possible) they do alot of flying. You can research online and find the data base with all the Naval Aviators in it. There is a record of every person since 1911 who has earned a set of Gold Wings.

Been in the war since 2001 (Not likely)

Wounded Vet (very possible) but then you would be tracked in the MWIITS (Marine Corps Wounded Ill or Injured tracking system)

West Point Grad from his Linked in profile (possible as a grad but very unlikely as someone who has taken a Marine Corps Commission, although we see some Air Force Academy who do a one for one swap with the Naval Academy and a few Merchant Marine grads get assessed in the Corps)

Wife, Evelyn living in Germany to be closer to husband while over in the war (Negative, Marines Deploy and only go through Germany if wounded but then are moved to the US pretty fast) Spouses do not deploy to Germany unless the Marine is stationed there and for a Marine that would be a joint duty assignment.

The first article is below, I have put my thoughts in bold print that came to mind as I read the piece.

Phillyburbs.com/ Intelligencer

By Amanda Cregan staff writer Intelligencer

Dream House becomes Nightmare

Complaints have been lodged about the unfinished home.  It’s owner, a Marine, injured in Iraq, is asking for patience.

When Andrew Diabo broke ground on his Tinicum Township dream home just before 9/11, he was excited to finish construction and settle in with his young family.

The Marine could have never imagined he’d spend the next eight years fighting insurgents in Iraq. (Nobody has been in the war for all eight years. I know of one guy with five tours under his belt, but he’s single and nuts, plus you have dwell time at your home base etc.)

But with little word from their newest neighbor in nearly a decade, (if he wasn’t in the war, where was he? Second family somewhere?)homeowners who live near the unfinished house on East Dark Hollow Road in the Pipersville section say they are fed up with living next to what seems to be an abandoned building site. (Good on these folks)

The approximately 3,000-square-foot home sits on just less than 3 acres across from Tinicum Elementary School. ($530K is a bit pricey for a LtCol, maybe a rich wife? Canadian Mob? ACORN?)

Fearing the property poses a danger to children, neighbors petitioned township officials this month to step in.

But Tinicum supervisors say they have little authority over the private property.

“It’s eight going on nine years that the home has been in a state of being unfinished, unoccupied and not maintained,” said resident Sarah Blaikie, who keeps a close watch on her three young sons, who want to explore the neighboring construction site.

Wild vines crawl up the front doorway, a bathtub lays in a pile of weeds in the back, wooden planks cover walkways, and plywood shutters the four-bay garage and back doors. Doors and windows are often propped open, she said.

And the grass, which grows unkempt for months at a time, is said to be a breeding ground for rodents, snakes and deer ticks.

Blaikie and other nearby residents want the home sold.

“Our number one wish for the home is that it would sell at one of these sheriff’s auctions. (I hope a real Vet does get the house for a song in May 2010)

“We didn’t say anything for the first five years because we knew he was serving in Iraq,” said Blaikie. “I wish they could just let it go and let someone else come and make it complete, and we could have some new, nice neighbors.” (Base pay for a LtCol is about $9,500 dollars a month, hell, I think he could afford to fix it up)

Diabo says he still holds on to hope for his dream home. (Nice to be able to dream of stuff like this from his future jail cell)

Breaking ground at the site just before the 9/11 attacks, the Marine helicopter pilot said everything was put on hold when he was immediately deployed to Afghanistan. (He claims he flew CH-53’s and Osprey’s and was shot down.  Class A-C mishaps are all documented and public information and you can’t hide the hull lose of an aircraft even if it was lost on a special ops mission) ~FY07 Class A’s

“We didn’t imagine that 9/11 would happen, and it’s been nine years of war, but here we are,” he said. (Did I mention that he was an amateur actor???)

After nearly four years of continued tours of duty in Iraq, and a recent bomb blast injury, the Marine is settling back home and recovering from his injuries (All wounded Marines are tracked in the Wounded Warrior Regiment and he’s not listed there)at the Bridgeton Township apartment he shares with his wife, Evelynn, and their 4-year-old son.

The Diabos say their home construction was further complicated by their mortgage lender GMAC.

“For 13 months they didn’t accept payments and were returning our checks,” said Diabo.

The Diabos were sending money orders from Germany (where Evelynn moved for several years to be closer to her husband). (This one really cracks me up. All servicemen are paid in US dollars and all the bases overseas have US Banks on them. She could have mailed a check from her US account to GMAC, oh by the way, if he was in the war, he would never see her in Germany, so why would she move? It’s not like he could pop over for a long weekend to visit her. If that was true my wife would have been there while I was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan both times)

GMAC’s policy does not allow payments in foreign currency. (If he was in the Marines, he’s paid in US dollars so why would he be paying GMAC in Euro’s? He would also have W-2 statement from his Epays account from DFAS and monthly pay statements. Oh yeah, did I forgot to mention that he is a special ops guy and all of his missions are classified???)

Because of privacy laws, GMAC spokeswoman Jaeannine Bruin said she could not discuss details of Diabo’s mortgage and payment history but noted, “GAMC Mortgage has an active arrangement with Mr. Diabo regarding his mortgage. We continue to work with him to evaluate his situation.”

The company has been fielding calls from his neighbors in recent years, she said.

“We have gotten calls from neighbors about the condition of the property. However, GMAC is not the owner of the property. We’re not authorized to make repairs or maintain the property at this time.”

Diabo’s attorney, Frank Caiola, declined to further discuss details of the situation between Diabo and his mortgage company, and would only emphasize that the payment schedule was back on track. (Andrew borrowed a large amount of money (10K) from a friend to make the payments at one pointand his attorney donated his time for free for the “Vet”, over 53 billable hours no less. I say hats off to Frank for stepping up and helping a man who he thought was a Vet. I will buy him some beer if we ever meet.)

“We will certainly try to do our best to help Andrew. He did provide a valuable service to our country in harm’s way, and we think it’s important for somebody who has given so much of themselves to try and help him out in these difficult times,” said the Pottstown attorney. (Andrew’s skills as an actor popping up again)

The Tinicum home has been up for sheriff sale numerous times, and on the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks it was scheduled to go up for auction, but the sale was delayed. (I am thinking that a real vet should get this house for say $100K, how’s that?)

Diabo says he’s working to resolve the issue and has finally set up regular payments on the $530,000 still owed on the property.

He is back to work as a computer specialist. (Claiming that he is a decorated Marine etc. etc)

The Diabos are hoping for some understanding from Tinicum residents. (Please don’t dig into my past and find out that I’m lying…)

“Our intentions are not evil or bad,” said Evelynn Diabo. “The house is basically our dream house. We’ve just been in this awkward situation.” (Evil or bad??? Makes me wonder if he had her snowed all these years or she was in on it? Does she not write the bills while he’s deployed? My wife did.  So did she see where the money was coming from in their bank account? If it didn’t say DFAS Kansas City then it wasn’t from the Corps.)

With patience stretched thin, neighbors say they’ve gone almost a decade without ever hearing from the Diabos and have been left with few answers themselves.

“It’s not an unnoticed home,” said Blaikie. “Everyone who drives to and from Tinicum Elementary School always asks the neighbors what’s up with that house, and we never had any answers.”

Amanda Cregan can be reached at 215-538-6371 or acregan@phillyBurbs.com.

September 20, 2009 02:42 AM

Apparently, this charade had been perpetuated for years by Diabo and I’m talking about over fifteen years or so.  The more you dig up on the guy, the more “Befuddled” (a great word used by Larry King on Diabo) you become.  Diabo would always fall back on the line of “I’m a secret spook, special ops type guy and all of my missions are classified” when he talked to neighbors and friends.  One man named Paul who found out about Diabo’s case from the newspaper, put together a group of over 100 volunteers to help out and finish the house, but was turned down by Diabo.  Another great guy named Marty was also trying to help out Diabo with contractors and jobs but was rebuffed by Diabo numerous times.  Marty just chalked it up to PTSD on Diabo’s part.

 I came in contact with Larry King, a reporter from the Philly Inquirer back in January and we shared details on the case as we unraveled the mystery of Diabo. I have to say that I’m really impressed with Larry as a reporter and as a man with a kind soul.  He was concerned that Diabo was maybe, in fact a deep cover agent and he didn’t want to expose him if that was true (Andrew was convincing and claims to be an amateur actor).  Diabo claimed this numerous times.   I remember asking Larry if he had recieved any phone calls from a three letter agency in DC? I mean think about it, if we were about to bust this super spook’s cover, don’t you think that he would cry to his boss who in turn might call your editor or yourself?  No calls, so I’m betting my paycheck this month he’s making that all up.  But still, there was that little bit of doubt going on until the IG’s office sent out their letter.

Then later when the Inspector Generals office at Quantico sent Diabo a “Cease and desist” letter telling him to stop saying he was a Marine, Larry was concerned that Diabo may cause harm to himself and maybe his family, if in fact, he was that delusional.  When I say delusional, I mean he adds batshit to crazy.  Paul went over to his apartment once and inside the door was an award for his fake Silver Star.  Diabo invited him back to his “war room” where he showed Paul a set of Officer Dress Blues, a Grey uniform from West Point (he claimed on Linked-in that he attended West point from 84-88 but that would make him 13 when he started and 17 at graduation) and a couple of Purple Heart medals.  He also had a “Go Bag” packed so that when the Marines called; he could leave inside of an hour when the Corps called.

Tomorrow, his orders

Tags: Andrew Diabo Poser, Canadian, Fake CH-53 pilot, Fake Marine, Fake Marine Officer, Fake West point Grad, Larry King, Poser Marine

Andrew Diabo, Fake Marine busted? Oh Yeah, wide open

This just published by Larry King at the Philadelphia Inquirer, a great story on what this guy has been doing:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20100425_How_a_local__war_hero__went_AWOL.html

My Post on Diabo with more to come:

Desperate Posers:

 They lurk among us, maybe your neighbor, co-worker, even a husband, boyfriend or friend from church.  They are Posers, desperate to find that small but powerful purpose in their life to give them meaning.  It’s funny, President Reagan once said, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they’ve ever made a difference in the world.  Marines don’t have that problem.”  Could this be one of the reasons there are so many fake Marines out there? I say this in jest, but you don’t see too many Air Force Logistic posers pop up on the radar with a Silver Star.

 I am one of those guys who after 24 years in the Marine Corps, has the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblazoned upon my soul.  I live, eat, breathe, and dress Marine Corps (really, I think everything I own has that emblem on it).  I know no other way.  It gives me a purpose; something that I identify with.  When at a party, usually Marines can sense one another, and will eventually gravitate to each other (at the bar most of the time); sharing a bond forged by years in the Corps. 

 See, I can understand the attraction to pose as a Marine or Army guy because of the brotherhood. So, it is with guarded jealousy that I strive to protect our Corps from the men and women who do not rate the honored title “US Marine,” and make sure they are posted on my site.

http://www.thesandgram.com/2009/02/04/poser-alert/

http://www.thesandgram.com/2009/11/14/another-marine-poser-bites-the-dust/

http://www.thesandgram.com/2010/04/17/another-fake-army-general/

 In January, a friend of mine sent me an email asking for help.  Her brother-in-law was interested in a guy named Andrew A. Diabo, and he needed a set of Marine eyeballs on this guy to verify that he was actually in the service.  The email included links to two stories published by Amanda Cregan at the PhillyBurbs.com.  

 They were about a Marine LtCol who was back from the war, and was about to lose his $530,000.00 home.  In the story, the Marine was recalled after 9-11, and was sent over to the war for four or five years.  Somehow he was behind in his mortgage payments to GMAC.  The neighbors were a bit upset at the nearly completed eye sore across from their elementary school with no sign of the owners for over 8 years.  They wanted to know what happened to their neighbor, and why the house was in the state it was.  When it was published, and folks discovered that he was a “wounded vet,” a ground swell of support began, touching many hearts in the local area.  This was the catalyst to put together a grass roots effort hoping to assist Andrew and his wife Evelyn by Marty and Paul in the articles. On a side note, the residents who complained about the unfinished house were unfairly crucified in my opinion with online comments like this:

 “I cannot believe you would make this poor mans life harder. He is in Iraq fighting for your freedom and you are worried about what you have to look at in his unfinished home. I’m sure he would rather have his home finished as well. Maybe you could all track down his poor wife and see if there is anything you as a community could do to help out with maintaining the homesite for her. What a bunch of snobs you people can be. Making a soldiers life harder while he is risking his life for your freedom. Shame on you.”

 On one hand, folks are looking out for our troops (good), but on the other hand, they were fooled by a self-proclaimed actor (bad), and that is the driving force for my lack of acceptance of these posers.

 On the surface, this was a really well-written piece and a “feel good” story showing the kindness of the locals, and the way they reached out to a fellow “Marine.”  As I read these stories, little red flags started popping up.

 More to come

Tags: Andrew Diabo, CH 53 Pilot, Fake Marine, LtCol USMC, Philly, Poser Marine, West Point Grad

No Free Lunch

Got this from a friend of mine whose son is about to become a 2ndLt in the Marines.  John, thanks for the piece, I tend to stay away from politics, but this is too good!!

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill.

I could not finish my breakfast.

This is what ensued:
 
They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes.

I heard the young man exclaim, “Isn’t Obama like Jesus Christ?

I mean, after all, he is healing the sick”.

The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yeah, and he does it for free.

I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market would work for health care.

They are all crooks and thieves and don’t deserve all of that money.”

Another said, ‘The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power.

Obama should be made a saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate.”

At this, I had had enough.
 
I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and approached their table.

“Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one moment?
”They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation.

I stood at the end of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.
 
“I would like to give one of you my house.

It will cost you no money and I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there.
Anyone interested?” They looked at each other in astonishment.

“Why would you do something like that?” asked a young man, “There isn’t anything for free in this world”.

They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my point.

“I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what so ever. Anyone interested?”

In unison, a resounding” Hell Yeah” fills the room.
 
“Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who receives this money free bargain.”

I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking
his head in apparent disgust.

“I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my rules.”

Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their faces.

The perky young woman asked, “What are the rules?” I smiled and said, “I don’t know.

I have not yet defined them.

However, it is a free home that I offer you.”

They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, “What an old coot.

He must be crazy to give away his home.

Go take your meds, old man.”

I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further.

I am serious, this is a legitimate offer.

They gaped at me for a moment.
 
Hell, I’ll take it you old fool.

Where are the keys?” boasted the youngest among them.

Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then? I asked.
The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy of their table.

“Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?”

I took a napkin and wrote, “I give this man my home, without the burden of financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction.”

I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature.

“Where are the keys to my new house?” he asked in a mocking tone of voice.

All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.
 
Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere from this point forward.

You may only live in the house for one hour a day.

You will not use anything inside of the home.

You will obey me without question or resistance.

I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you.

You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature.

Your morals and principles shall be as mine.
You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith.

These are my terms.

Here are your keys.” I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumb founded.
 
Are you out of your freaking mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?” the young man appeared irritated. You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the agreement.

Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him.

I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of people.

You can shove that stupid deal up you’re a** old man, I want no part of it exclaimed the now infuriated young man.

You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it.

I do not intend to let you free now that I have you ensnared.

I am the power you agreed to.

I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to.

In short, I am your Master. At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against the unfairness of the deal.
 
After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent.

What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with the health care legislation.

I easily suckered you in and then revealed the real cost of the bargain.

Your folly was in the belief that you can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you.

Your failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you.

You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee.

Your only chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it unto you.

A freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom.

With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man.
This is the nature of your new health care legislation.”
 
I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was surprised by applause.

The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand enthusiastically and said, Thank you Sir, these kids don’t understand Liberty these days.

He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab.

I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country. 

Major Norman Hatch, Marine Ret.

Major Norman Hatch

While attending the 5^th annual MilBlog conference in Arlington VA this month, I had a chance of a life time and one of the top five career highlights to happen to me.  Mary from the U.S. Naval Institute brought Major Norman Hatch (Ret) to give us the directors cut of his famous film that he made on the battle of Tarawa.  He held the microphone and watched the film play out telling us why he did a shot this way and little things that his still sharp eyes caught that we didn’t. 

His segment ended right before lunch, so we all moved downstairs to the restaurant in the lobby for some outstanding chow.  I was lucky and able to sit right next to him and realized that this was a time that I wish I had my digital recorder to capture his stories.  I did whip out a piece of paper and wrote on the back of an email from Major Pain as fast as I could, to copy everything he spoke about.

It went something like this, and pretty close to his story (I’m hoping):

Norman leaned forward and in a clear concise voice said,

“You know, it was D plus 18 (18 days after the battle of Iwo had started) and they sent me home with the film from the battle which included the flag raising.  This LtCol picked me up from the airport and told me that we were on our way to USMC Head Quarters (Henderson Hall Navy Annex) to see the CMC (Commandant General Vandegrift).  I thought this was great; I live about five minutes from there so how about dropping me off for a shower before I see the General? (Maj Hatch had just traveled for a couple of days from combat with all of his gear still on him- I’m thinking a shower would feel pretty good right about now)  The LtCol said nope, the CMC wants you now.  “I know General Vandegrift” Norm says “but I sure didn’t want to go in front of him looking like I did.”

We arrived and little did I know that I was about to be thrust into the middle of a major war between the Bureau Chief of Time Life and the Senior Vice President of A.P. news.  Everyone that knew about the Flag raising on Iwo Jima was either dead or wounded and Bob Sherrod had written a piece about Joe Rosenthal’s famous shot, saying it was a phony and staged based on half a conversation he had overheard, but he put at the bottom of the piece to check with A.P. on these facts before publishing.  The Flagship station at Time Life ran with the story before checking with A.P. which sent them into law suit mode to protect the future Pulitzer Prize picture from any scandal. 

The CMC leaned forward on his desk and said “Norm, would you iron this out for us.”

All eyes in the room turned towards me…

Norman Hatch then told the story of the flag raising and how Joe had his camera set and at the last second snapped the shot.  Bill Genaust, a Marine combat photographer, was next to Joe with his little color movie camera and captured the instantaneous flag raising  and the “Gung Ho” shot of the men afterwards as they posed for a shot, so that there could be no doubt that the photo was genuine or as Bob had said, staged or phony. 

The Time Life Chief said that they would issue and apology to the nation over this whole mess.  This was acceptable to the A.P. so Norman had settled the battle.

The CMC then said to the AP Vice President, “you know that shot could really help the Marine Corps with the 7^th Bond Drive.”

A.P. Vice President, now nice and smug with his victory over Time life said “Sure, we’ll give you two duplicate negatives and you pay us a $1.00 for every 8×10 you use.”

Major Hatch smiled at this and said “The room went ice cold; you could feel it, because that means the Corps was looking at over a Million dollars they would have to pay to use the shot.”

The CMC said “Gunner, what do you think?

Major Hatch said “Sir, Bill Genaust was right next to him so we could take a still from his 16mm film and use that shot for the bond drive and it would be in color.”

The AP guy starts thinking, (Crap, two shots out there…we lose out on the credit) and says “I think we can give the Corps a 4×5 negative duplicate for no charge.”

The meeting ended with the CMC very pleased and Norm with a knot in his stomach.  He raced home and called his contact in Hollywood that developed Bill Genaust’s film from the Flag raising.  “Herb, have you seen the film yet?” Herb says “Yes”

Norman hoping that he didn’t make a statement that would get him trouble later asked “Is it good?”

The voice on the other end says “Yes!! It’s great.” I think this was followed by a “Thank God” on Norm’s part. 

It was a real honor to meet him and like I said, this now ranks up there in the top five cool things I have done in my career and hopefully I have relayed this conversation to you so that you could be there too.  He is one Helluva film man and Marine, who was side by side with our guys, fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. 

Semper Fi, Major Norman Hatch, you are one of my hero’s.

Taco

Tags: Flag, Iwo Jima, MilBlog conference, Norman Hatch

Another Fake Army General Alexander “Bud” Cannarella

Carmine Alexander "Bud" Cannarella

Here is ANOTHER case of a Poser out there… when will this stop???

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/04/big-bear-man-charged-with-fraud-for-passing-himself-off-as-a-general-on-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff.html

A Big Bear Lake man has been charged with fraud for passing himself off as a general and using the seal of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on his business cards, federal investigators said Friday.

Prosecutors said Carmine Alexander “Bud” Cannarella, 64, had spent years pretending to be a general in the Army Reserve, making the bogus claim on his business cards, resume and the Internet. He even had photos made up of himself in a two-star general’s outfit.

“There are indications that he once applied to be city manager of Big Bear,” said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. “It is unclear what he was up to.”

Cannarella did, in fact, serve in the military in the 1960s, but he never surpassed the rank of private.

In 2008, he handed someone his photo and a business card with the Joint Chiefs logo that identified him as a general and a licensed clinical psychologist. The person became suspicious and turned over the card to authorities.

[Updated at 5:51 p.m.: On Wednesday, Cannarella was charged with felony fraud and agreed to plead guilty at a later date. An earlier post said he had already pleaded guilty.]

If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

The FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.

Last month, Steven Douglas Burton, 39, a Palm Springs bank employee, was fined $250 and placed on a year’s probation after showing up at his 20th high school reunion dressed as a Marine Corps officer with a chest full of medals. He later admitted that he had never been in the armed forces and had bought the medals at military shops and on EBay.

“The bottom line in all of these cases is that this is a slap in the face of so many who have admirably served in the military,” Mrozek said.

–David Kelly

Tags: Fake Army General, Joint chiefs of staff, Poser

Mil Blog conference 2010

This weekend was the fifth annual Mil Blog conference held in Arlington, VA, and the event to attend if you have any interest in the cyberworld of Military Blogs. They have developed over the years to the point where more and more of the senior ranks, once afraid of them, are now embracing the idea that these individuals can be an asset to our nations’ military. 

 The average person, knowing nothing about military bloggers, might find this conference as exciting as watching “concrete crack in the middle of summer in Nebraska,” but this group has grown over the years to where it truly is a large family embracing a variety of individuals and viewpoints. 

 Within this family, there is a strong core of individuals who toil each year to put together, not only an entertaining weekend, but a very informative one as well.  So hats off to JP at Military.com who kept us all informed and slaved over the awards; Andi and Jeanie who produced a seamless production; Mr. and Mrs. GreyHawk who rounded up such excellent participants for the panels; Greta, SoldiersAngels, You Served Radio, USAA, Mary at USNI, the guys from Saving Abel, Marcus/Troy/CJ ; Ward Carroll and the Military.com group and the other dozen volunteers that I am missing (which I apologize for) so please let me know and I’ll make corrections.

 The big driver for me to attend is being able to put a face to all the people that I communicate with via email/Facebook/Mudville Gazette etc.  That was worth the trip right there.  Chris from Wings over Iraq kept me entertained Saturday night as he shared his flying stories with me.  He also brought up a good point about bloggers bringing a professional point of view to a subject they are familiar with.  Right now there is a big controversy over the leaked pentagon tapes of the helicopters shooting the two reporters and other Iraqis.  This was all taken out of context, and Chris was able to share his thoughts on his site that clarifies the situation as well as other bloggers. The mainstream media would never have A) that type background to speak intelligently on the subject or B) they have a liberal editor who would rather vilify our troops.

 Speaking of the media, while some in Hollywood have lost their moral compass, there are those like Jake Rademacher who made Brothers at War and Scott Mactavish with God and Country who promote the military in a positive light.  Jake was at the conference, and it was incredible to have a one-on-one with him.  I realized that he was only four miles from me while we were in An Bar province in Iraq back 2005/06.  These are two of the guys trying to turn Hollywood around from the inside, and I wish them all the luck in the world. So please support them and buy their films; you’ll love them.   Also Michael Yon called in from Afghanistan to chat with the group and take questions. If you haven’t seen his coverage, you need to check him out.

 My wife thinks that this conference was all about “playing,” but in reality, it has become quite clear that those in positions of power are giving credence to the Mil Blog community just by the participation of such folks as Gen David Petraeus and MG David Hogg USA, Col Gregory Breazile USMC, and Admiral JC Harvey, Jr., Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, who has his own blog at usfleet-forces.blogspot.com.  Since the military has now started embracing MilBlogs, I have stopped feeling like the cockroach hiding in the dark while I type away. Ha!!

 I have to say that one of the most exciting things to happen for me this weekend was having the honor of meeting Major (Ret) Norman Hatch USMC, the combat cameraman who brought back the film from Iwo Jima, and also produced and won the Academy Award on his film about the Tarawa invasion. 

 Mary Ripley, the daughter of one of my heroes from the Marine Corps, Col John Ripley, brought Major Hatch to speak to us about his time over there and he narrated (directors cut) on his Tarawa battle scenes.  I took lots of notes over lunch with him, and I will post those later.  Mary, thank you again for your participation through the U.S. Naval Institute, and we all appreciate your using your personal connections to give us the chance to meet Major Hatch.  All I can say is “WOW!!”

 I think I could write another ten pages on this weekend, but to note everything that happened might cause you as my reader to fall asleep at the wheel.  If you write, if you have a Mil Blog, I urge you to attend next year to share the company of fellow writers, and see how this whole thing is evolving.  MilBlogging won’t look the same ten years from now, and it may even be an MOS within PAO…who knows.

Semper Fi,

Taco

Congrats to the MilBloggie Winners!!

I want to congratulate all the winners of this years MilBlog contest!! Thanks for all the folks who took the time to sign up and vote too! I think we had more people vote than I can remember in a long time.   Also, a big hats off to JP for taking care of the site with the constant updates and info on the contest and USAA and General Electric for sponsoring this year’s event.   It was a close contest between the 1stSgt at Castra Praetoria and myself, going back and forth a few votes here and there. I was very happy to see him win this year as he is truly a gifted writer!  I love milblogs for the variety and richness they bring to the masses.  There are so many talented guys and gals out there whose experience in the war and daily life will be captured for their children and grandchildren to re-live through the years.  I hope that my site will be around for my children to read one day to their kiddo’s. 

Semper Fi,

 Taco

 Winners Announced in the Fourth Annual MILbloggies Thursday, April 8, 2010, 12:16 AM – MilbloggiesCongratulations to all the winners in the Fourth Annual MILbloggies.  Winners will be presented Awards during the 2010 Sold-Out Milblog Conference taking place this weekend by our Platinum Sponsors:  USAA and General Electric.

U.S. Army
A Soldier’s Perspective

U.S. Air Force
Afghanistan My Last Tour

U.S. Navy
Naval Institute Blog

U.S. Marine Corps
Castra Praetoria

U.S. Coast Guard
An Unoffical Coast Guard Blog

U.S. Military Veteran
Blackfive – The Paratrooper of Love

Foreign National Military
DoubleTapper

U.S. Military (Spouse)
A Little Pink in a World of Camo

U.S. Military (Parent)
You Betcha I’m a Proud Army Mom

U.S. Military Supporter
Not Your Average Brooklynette

U.S. Reporter
The Unknown Soldiers