Posted on Aug 29, 2015
Have you heard and read about the history of the First Composite Radio Company Fleet Marine Force Pacific?
5.59K
34
24
12
12
0
Have you heard and read about the history of the First Composite Radio Company Fleet Marine Force Pacific?
One of our very own RP Members Sgt Tom Cunnally was a part of this unit. I reviewed their website and thought this was a great story to share. Take a look at the history!
http://www.1st-radio-company-usmc.org/index.html
This web site is the continuing story of a small group of Marines who found themselves assigned to the 1st Composite Radio Company, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii from 1959 to 1964. For some it was their first permanent assignment as Marines. For others it was a change of duty stations from U.S. Navy and Marine bases of operations from around the globe.
During that short span of time in Marine Corps history, they blazed a new trail in being the first United States Marines to put boots on the ground in Vietnam in 1962 and providing direct intelligence support to U.S. and Republic of Vietnam combat forces.
Go to the History link for a more complete history of the 1st Composite Radio Company. Since that time 1st Radio has evolved to 1st Radio Battalion, and has proudly been part of the current war in Iraq. The link on the left "Brothers at the Gates" is to honor and give remembrance to those members of the 1st Composite Radio Company who have passed away; take time to learn about them.
One of our very own RP Members Sgt Tom Cunnally was a part of this unit. I reviewed their website and thought this was a great story to share. Take a look at the history!
http://www.1st-radio-company-usmc.org/index.html
This web site is the continuing story of a small group of Marines who found themselves assigned to the 1st Composite Radio Company, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii from 1959 to 1964. For some it was their first permanent assignment as Marines. For others it was a change of duty stations from U.S. Navy and Marine bases of operations from around the globe.
During that short span of time in Marine Corps history, they blazed a new trail in being the first United States Marines to put boots on the ground in Vietnam in 1962 and providing direct intelligence support to U.S. and Republic of Vietnam combat forces.
Go to the History link for a more complete history of the 1st Composite Radio Company. Since that time 1st Radio has evolved to 1st Radio Battalion, and has proudly been part of the current war in Iraq. The link on the left "Brothers at the Gates" is to honor and give remembrance to those members of the 1st Composite Radio Company who have passed away; take time to learn about them.
Posted in these groups: 
Military History
Vietnam War
Military History Vietnam War
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
2
2
0
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Thanks for sharing this history lesson. Ooh Rah Devil Dogs! Semper Fi Sgt Tom Cunnally!
Thanks for sharing this history lesson. Ooh Rah Devil Dogs! Semper Fi Sgt Tom Cunnally!
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
One of 1st Radio CO Commanding Officers Capt Al Gray became the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
(2)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
COL Mikel J. Burroughs - No I hope maybe some guys who served with 1st Radio CO or knew General Al Gray enjoy reading this Marine Corps History.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
COL Mikel J. Burroughs - General Al Gray attended a dinner to honor the retired Marine Corps Commandants & was at a table surrounded by all Southerners who were past Commandants. He was asked by a reporter "How did you enjoy being with all southern generals?".. Gen Gray replied "Just fine I am from Southern New Jersey"...
(1)
(0)
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Sgt Tom Cunnally Awesome.Tthanks for sharing all the great stories with the RP Community.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
I had not, but have two members in my Marine Corps League Detachment who may know a bit. I forwarded your link, can't wait until our next breakfast social to get the first hand run down. Thanks for the post.
(2)
(0)
Sgt Spencer Sikder
COL Mikel J. Burroughs - This is the response I received about your post from my friend: "Yes this is part of my history , I was with 1st radio BN from 1966-1969 and again in 1976--1979. I was with the 2st radio Bn in Camp Lejune. Thank for sending this to me."
(2)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
Sgt Spencer Sikder - Your friend who was with 1st Radio BN probably remembers Capt Al Gray.
(2)
(0)
Sgt Spencer Sikder
Sgt Tom Cunnally - Aye sir! Then Capt Gray was his CO. Well before he became Commandant Gray.
(2)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
Sgt Spencer Sikder - Here's one of the Sea Stories about Gen Al Gray
http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=49868
http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=49868
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
1
1
0
If this is who I'm thinking of "RADBADs" Marine Corps Cryptologic Technicians. They are awesome. Tough, Tough Buggers, My Friends and My Instructors.
(1)
(0)
Sgt Tom Cunnally
1st Radio Co FMF Operations were classified as "Top Secret" when I was a member. Also debriefing by this unit's 1st Sgt included a warning "What you did here, stays here"..& we signed a document that threatened us with jail time if we discussed anything about what we did as a member of this Company. Then in 1982 I read J.Robert Moskin's "The US Marine Corps Story" and he wrote in page 623 "The first Marines in the Vietnam buildup were 42 men of the 1st Radio Company FMF at Pleiku"....which I thought was highly classified..
(0)
(0)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
As a retired Spook from that Community I can tell you nothing I repeat nothing stays classified or more correctly Secret Long. You want to keep your tricks of the trade for as long as you can but with the quick development of technology all my tricks of the trade are no longer applicable. If you want to read some good books let me recommend, Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586, Falcon and the Snowman, The Puzzle Palace and Body of Secrets all written about things I was involved in. LOL!
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Nothing greater than seeing more Comm Dawg history. Thanks for the read sir!
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google