Dog Seven Association
 A Look Back to the Beginning
A History of our Reunions

It has been 11 years since Dog Seven Association was incorporated as an "official" non-profit organization. The 11th consecutive annual reunion was celebrated in San Diego in September. However, "unofficially", the group started in November, 1980.

The first meeting was the result of efforts by Al Mackin, a former C.O. of Dog Company, who began a letter to some dozen former D Company Marines: "Greetings, Magnificent Dogs!"

The ball began rolling, recipients of the letter called others and, per Al's suggestion of tying the meeting in with the34th Annual 1st Marine Division Association Reunion scheduled for mid-August, 1981, in Kansas City, Missouri, by May 1, the respose was 12 committed and one possible. Nine Marines, Matt Davis, Fred Frankville, Ron Klein, Bob Squires, LLoyd Stevens, Hugh Habighorst, Otis Lee and Al Mackin, attended this reunion with their wives, spent many hours together talking about old times and sharing photographs. "Let's do it again!" was the prevailing departing remark as they returned to their homes.

The second get-together was in 1984 at the Matt Davis ranch in Texas, hosted by Matt and Jimmie Lee, and organized by Al Mackin and Jimmie Lee. This time 14 attended, including wives, as well as Peter Mozzone who was from Richard DeWert's hometown of Taunton, Mass. Mozzone wanted to write a book about DeWert, a corpsman serving with D Company who was killed in Korea and posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor. Mozzone wanted to meet with Dog Company members.

Attending were John Duck, Gonzalo Garza, Evan Thomas, Otis Lee, Hughie Habighorst, Al Mackin and, of course, Matt Davis. Some of the activities were at the St. Anthony's Hotel and some at the Davis ranch where "a devil twister (storm) came up and we had to move inside," Jimmie Lee recalls.

At the suggestion of Al Mackin, Pete Mozzone sent out a flyer inquiring about a reunion in 1985, but that one didn't materialize. Mackin and Fred Frankville travelled to Korea in `85 and visited Hill 439 where DeWert was killed.

In the meantime the first reunion of the Chosin Few was held on November, 1985 in San Diego. Many Dog Company members were there, too, including (L-R) George Crotts, John M. Bruce, Matt Davis, Thomas Cassis, Al Bradshaw, John Christiansen, and Corbit Ray.

The interest in having another Dog Company reunion grew.

On December 16, 1986, Dick Humphreys sent out a letter and a questionnaire to see if there was enough interest in having another reunion. There was! By March of 1987, the list had grown to 62 and a reunion was subsequently planned for July 23-25, 1987 at the Embassy Suites in Austin, Texas. Gonzalo Garza was the host.


Austin, Texas - 1987

Lost In The Fifties

The "MARINES" of Dog Company, 7th Marines, Korea, in Coupland, Texas, 1987 - said by more than a few to be home of "the best tasting BBQ .... anywhere!!!"

The "MARINES" of Dog Company, 7th Marines, Korea, and their Ladies in Austin, Texas, 1987. Recognize Any/Everyone???


Tom Cassis, who contributed much of the information about the successive reunions, said the reunion was "a smashing success, with much credit going to Gonzalo." Cassis said, "That reunion set the standards from which we have grown." About 31 Marines and their spouses attended.

During the business meeting in Austin, a second annual "official" reunion was planned to be in San Jose, California, with Lee Wimpee, host. Paul Mullaney suggested that Cassis volunteer his legal services to formalize a D-2-7 organization. Cassis heard from Dick Humphreys suggesting he prepare a set of proposed bylaws to present to the members.

The San Jose reunion was held at the Red Lion Inn, July 15-17, 1988. Pete McCloskey, Col. USMC, Ret, a former US Representative from the S.F. Bay Area, was guest speaker.

At that meeting D-2-7 was approved as a non-profit corporation under the name Dog Seven Association. The Articles of Incorporation state that the initial Board of Directors shall be FIVE (5) as follows: John Christiansen, Fred Frankville, Gonzalo Garza, Alvin Mackin and Lealon Wimpee with Thomas Cassis named as the Incorporator.

Prior to incorporation, the reunion host served as chairman and/or president of the organization.

By the third annual reunion at the Park West Hotel in Marlboro, Massachusetts, officers of the Association were elected as follows: Al Mackin, president; Gonzalo Garza, vice president; Dick Humphreys, secretary, and John Christiansen, treasurer. Paul Mullaney was chairman of the reunion, held Oct. 6-8, 1989.


Marlboro, Massachusetts, 1989

A visit to historic Plimouth Village

Dog Seven members pose for a group "photo op" after an extremely emotional memorial service in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Dog Company "Doc", Richard DeWert, KIA, 1951


Guest speaker was Thomas Hudner, a Navy pilot awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Chosin campaign on Dec. 4, 1950. A highlight of the reunion was a visit to HN Richard DeWert's (USN-MOH) hometown, Taunton, Mass., arranged by Mullaney. The group visited the Korean War Memorial there where Dick Humphreys gave a most moving account of DeWert's heroic actions.

A ceremony to dedicate the "Hospitalman Corpsman Richard D. DeWert Memorial Interchange" held in Plainsville, Mass., was attended by several Association members.

The fourth reunion brought the group to the Embassy Suites Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, from Oct. 4-6, 1990 under the outstanding leadership of Al and Jeanne Bradshaw. It was thought to be the largest gathering to date. Over 63 members plus wives attended. Many ventured up the elevator to the top of the magnificent St Louis Gateway Arch and rode down the Mississippi River on the paddle wheel steamer for the first time. Many who put off a visit to the Gateway Arch were disappointed when a "government shutdown" closed the monument to visitors.

The Key Bridge Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC, was the site of the fifth reunion. Richard Humphreys was chairman with 64 members and an equal number of spouses or guests. One of the highlights was to see the Sunset Parade at the Marine Barracks, 8th and I. It was the first time many of the veterans had seen the famous silent drill team in action. A common comment was, "unbelievable." Afterwards there was some talk of "shipping over for six."

Washington, DC - 1991

WWII Iwo Jima Memorial


In addition to reminiscing and sharing pictures, arrangements had been made to travel by charter buses to see Marine Corps related attractions including Quantico Marine Base, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the site of the Korean War Memorial, then still in the planning stages. Keynote speaker at the reunion was Brig.Gen. Thomas V. Draude from Headquarters Marine Corps. Also, the late General Richard Stilwell, USA (Ret) addressed the group as chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board. Upon Gen. Stilwell's death, Gen. Raymond Davis, MOH, Korea, was named in his stead.

The great Pacific Northwest was the locale of reunion number six. From August 20-23, 1992. Dog Seven members met at the Sea-Tac Marriott, Seattle, Washington, under the direction of George Flood and his capable aide, Toni Thomas. There were 67 members plus wives.

Once again some great tours were planned including a boat ride to Tillicum Village for a salmon bake, American Indian style. What a treat! Keynote speaker was Gen. Raymond G. Davis, MOH, Korea, who with his wife, Knox, were guests for the entire reunion.

Seattle - 1992. General Raymond G. Davis, MOH-Korea, USMC-Ret., introduced as the banquet Guest Speaker.


For the seventh reunion, 84 members plus 79 guests traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas on October 28-31, 1993. John and Debra Bruce were the hosts and had planned many activities, including a tour of the King Ranch. A highlight at the banquet was the silent tribute to deceased brothers and the introduction of Dick Humphreys' "A Toast! They fought at Chosin." Guest at the reunion and speaker was Congressman Dongill Kim of Seoul, South Korea. Congressman Kim's moving address stressed his belief that "we" had not lost lives and limbs in Korea but had given them that the people of South Korea might live and prosper in peace.

The next reunion, number eight, was one many Marines had been waiting for, a return to South Korea. Twenty one members plus 20 wives or guests attended. Ki Kim and John Christiansen coordinated the trip with The Korean War Veterans Association hosting the event at the Hotel Sofitel Ambassador in Seoul, South Korea from Sept. 27-Oct. 2, 1994. Forty years earlier Dog Seven had entered, and was engaged in, its first battle on Sept. 26. This time they were treated like kings. All expenses were paid by the KWVA, except air fare, and everything was done first class. A bus trip to the DMZ was included and many thanks were heard from Koreans who remembered the sacrifices the Americans had made.

The Return
Seoul, Korea - 1994

Sentimental Journey

Sodaemun Prison, Seoul, South Korea: White building was an administration building. The road in front of the prison is part of the old highway where D Company entered Seoul on 26 Sept 1950. The prison is now a museum.

The back wall of Sodaemun Prison. Photo taken on 3 October 1994 - just over 44 years after D Company's initial Korean War action at this very place.

The West, or back wall and guard tower of Sodaemun Prison, Seoul. The 1st Platoon of D Company, 7th Marines were in this area.

Bullet holes on a portion of the back wall, Sodaemun Prison.

John Christiansen and Tom Cassis, Sodaemun Prison, Seoul, South Korea, 3 October 1994 .... almost 44 years to the day ... after.

Left to Right: Larry Hickey, Maurice Lutz and Ricardo Barron. On the South side of Independence Gate, Seoul, South Korea.

Col. Dick Humphreys, USMC-Ret, placing a wreath at the "Tomb Of The Unknown", Korean National Cemetery, Seoul, South Korea - 28 September 1994.


A certain amount of free time enabled two important side trips - the first by members who were successful in locating and visiting the site of Sodaemun Prison, where D Company first came under enemy fire and suffered heavy casualties in late September, 1950. A "younger" group hired a van and driver and travelled to Chunchon for a two day tour. While there, with the aid of Lt. Lee Wimpee's maps and a much younger ROK lieutenant, they were able to locate and revisit former Kansas Line (1951) positions atop a "Gee, it seems a lot steeper" hill there.

Reno, Nevada
1994

Because many of its members were not able to attend the reunion in Korea, a mini-reunion was held in Reno, Nevada the same year from October 27-30. Hosts were Lee Wimpee and Al Mackin with 58 members plus 45 spouses and guests present. Many sightseeing activities were enjoyed, including a bus trip to South Lake Tahoe.

The Dedication of Our Memorial
Washington, DC - 1995

The ninth, was held in Washington, DC, July 26-30, 1995 in conjunction with the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, a long awaited event. Dick Humphreys started the ball rolling, but, for health reasons, had to pass the job on to Lee Wimpee who carried on to the completion of another very successful reunion. There were 104 members with 103 spouses, family members and guests.


The "Man". Commandant of Marines, Gen Charles Krulak, USMC. This was taken just before the dedication ceremonies began.

The Parade down Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC.
Pointman Don Smith announced to the crowd that one fine Marine Company was due any moment.

An old rifleman (Bill Cockrell) and two old machine gunners (Tom Cassis and Larry Hickey) are in support of the pointman.

Lead elements of Dog Company, 7th Marines, Korea, marching smartly down Constitution Avenue.

The rear guard of Dog Company, 7th Marines, Korea, marching smartly down Constitution Avenue.

Keynote speaker at the banquet in the Stouffer Concourse Hotel would be Brig. Gen. Ed Simmons, USMC, Ret. Brig. Gen. Jim Lawrence, USMC, Ret., also spoke. One of the most memorable events was Dog Seven's participation in the huge parade down Constitution Avenue. Many commented that the unit looked really sharp.


More 1995 Reunion Photos


Orlando, Florida - 1996
`Gators and Space ...

Kennedy Space Center
One of several current launching pads

Your typical Florida "Gator"
... waiting for a snack??

A Space Vehicle
Not exactly a close air support aircraft ...

Dog Seven Marines and Wives - some of the over 200 in attendance at our Saturday Night banquet


Orlando, Florida was the setting for our 1996/10th reunion. It was another history making event. Ed Garr and Ron Klein, co-chairmen, put in many hours of planning to make it all come together. With many attractions in the Orlando area, free time was the rule, although the "organized" visit to Kennedy Space Center was made by many - and, for many of whom the sight of a real, live "gator" was a thrill. A poolside Luau, plus the traditional Saturday Night Banquet, were memorable highlights. Over 200 members and guests attended.


The Head Table
including BGen and Mrs Thomas Draude, USMC-Ret

San Diego, California - 1997
Missed Opportunities and "Old Haunts"

Marine Corps Hymn - Pipe and Drum Corps

Morning Colors - San Diego MCRD
Boot Camp Graduation - 47 years late


Our 11th annual reunion was held in San Diego, California. Headquarters was the Holiday Inn by the Bay ... within sight of the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Training Center.
Friday morning found members, families and guest gathered early at "MCRD" for the Morning Colors at which 27 former D Company Marines, who went off to war without benefit of "boot camp", awarded certificates of graduation in a moving ceremony.


The Marine Recruits of Company H
Passing in Review ...


The group then gathered to witness H Company's recruits receive their official and long awaited greeting from the Commanding General ...... "Good Morning, Marines!".


MajGen John H. Admire, USMC - CG 1st Marine Division and an official of the 1st Marine Division Assn, unveiling a Korean War Memorial stone


Saturday saw Dog Seven again on Marine Corps buses, this time heading "back" to Camp Pendleton where they, along with members of the 1st Marine Division Association and the Chosin Few, were honored at the unveiling and dedication of a Korean War memorial stone at 1st Marine Division headquarters. MajGen Admire, USMC, gave a stirring address that was preceded by a poignant and moving Invocation delivered by the Division Chaplain.


Marines of 2/7 - Twenty-nine Palms
Explaining the new LMG ... on an old, familiar tripod


The Saturday night banquet was headlined by an address given by guest speaker, MajGen Kenneth Haughton, USMC-Ret. An evening highlight was the playing of the National Anthem and Marine Corps Hymn by the Marine Band, MCRD.


The Marine Corps Band, San Diego MCRD
Preparing to play the National Anthem and Marines Hymn

Hospitality Room
Checking the Records ...


Yet another bus ride took all on Sunday morning to a San Diego park ground where the local Korean community, including the Korean War Veterans Association, hosted members, family and friends to lunch and demonstrations in Tai Kwon Do and folk dancing.



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