Discovery Channel series "Combat Zone" to tell the story of Dave Larsen
The show "PBR Rescue" will be shown as part of the "Combat Zone" series on the Military Channel on Monday March 26 and on the Discovery Channel on Sunday April 27.
also see Everett Herald story below!
The story will about Dave Larsen GMG3 River Division 593 and the battle on August 2 1969 in which he was awarded the Navy Cross.
The show is going to include the story of PBR's on patrol and is expected to be shown in March.
Navy Cross Recipient
GMG3 David R. Larsen
Citation: For extraordinary heroism on 2 August 1969 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam.
GMG3 Larsen was serving as a gunner's mater mate aboard PBR 775 which was part of a two-boat night waterborne guard post stationed on the upper Saigon River. Operating in conjunction with the patrol, a six-man ambush team, which was providing bank security for the guard post, engaged four enemy soldiers who were part of an estimated 35 to 50-man force that returned the contact with accurate rocker fire, killing or critically wounding all but one member of the six-man ambush team. One man from the team managed to call for the PBR crewmen's help. Armed with a machine gun and several ammunition belts, GMG3 Larsen hastened to the assistance of the ambush team. As he led his small force ashore, he saw three enemy soldiers about to overrun the friendly position. He immediately rushed toward them, firing his machine gun, and single-handedly turned back the enemy assault, killing at least one of the enemy. GMG3 Larsen then maintained a one-man perimeter defensive position and, although under continuous enemy fire, succeeded in discouraging further enemy attacks until additional help arrived. Later, armed with three different weapons, GMG3 Larsen was the first man to take his post on the perimeter established to provide security for the medical evacuation helicopter. By his extremely courageous one-man assault in the face of direct enemy fire, GMG3 Larsen was responsible for saving the lives of three fellow servicemen, and for protecting his shipmates as they administered aid to the wounded. His valiant and inspiring efforts reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
The 24th of October Reception and Wake
I call it a reception and wake because of the many men present that could not be part of the filming and those that could were present ---- but when would a sailor miss a party where they can tell sea stories.
The production Crew with Larry and Tom in the back ground
XO NS Everett with Carl talking of the Vietnam war
Dave Larsen cutting the cake in his honor with a Navy Cross and 593 patch in the frosting as his proud parents stand by. All of the wine bottles on the table also had Navy Crosses on them.
Tom Restemayer with his Black Beret next to the PBR beer in the tub. You can also see BM1 A. Billy Ratt and our Pabst Blue Ribbon Banner in the back ground.
Dale at the table with some of our lady guests many others are in the back ground. we had approximately 50 guests most were from River Division 593
The youngest women at the reception our own Ensign Andrea Istre
Al Johnson, GMG2 River Division 593, Mike Perin, SK2 NSA Binh Thuy, Walt Thomas, TM1 River Division 593, CDR Taylor, CO of the USS Ford. The PBR was at the reception so that all the old PBR sailors could go aboard and reminisce
L to R with ranks in 1969 and medal award on 2 august 1969 if any: BMC Carl Fletcher (Bronze Star), TM1 Walt Thomas (Bronze Star), MT1 Scott Rhodes, EN2 Jim Davy, LT Larry Bissonnette, GMG3 Dave Larsen (Navy Cross), GMG3 Hayes Dunn (Bronze Star), SN Donald Dennis (River Section 531), EN2 Charlie Vance (Bronze Star). All others are River Division 993
Here is another shot of the 593 guys having to much fun at the Navy Lodge. They seem to think that this event is all about them!!
When you read the story below keep in mind that we had FULL SUPPORT from the local navy CHINFO was the "Navy" that withdrew the support for use of navy re-enactors.
We must thank the USS Ford, NS Everett, USS Lincoln for their support of our group even though they could not be in the re-enactment. Most importantly IBU Eleven for providing their tuck to move the PBR.
Battle hardened Vietnam Veterans and Battle Re-enactors meet for a picture
P.S. the Veterans are the old guys
QMC Glenn Hoffman from IBU 11 an enginemen (His other Job) in the hole and Tom Moore a civilian engineer working to make our boat well.
Tom Moffatt on his boat has a conference with Dale Dufffield captain of the boat on his stern before leaving for the Slough. Tom Restemayer in his Black Beret waits to get underway
Walt Thomas, Al DeRoco, former CO River Division 593 (Dec 1969-June 1970), Debra DeRoco and Larry Bissonnette watching the Re-enactment
Here is the PBR in the dark. Being out in the dark with the PBR bought back a lot of memories. I am also glad there were no spot lights at our ambush sites in Vietnam. The people you see near the PBR are on a small police boat next to the PBR Does it look a little scary and surreal "Normal"? It's a good thing none of the people in the foreground had weapons
This is the Dead and Dieing Army guys in the Battle but they seem to be taking their situation in stride. While waiting for Dave Larsen to arrive.
For two people this the Re-enactment was a Family affair TM1 Walt Thomas Boat Captain and Bronze Star winner was played by his son Walter (Tommy) Thomas, IV. It doesn't get any better than this!
