Gene Hitchcock
genehitchcock@mindspring.com
Served with Colonel Spark in Vietna
3222 County Rd 44
Jemison, AL 35085
I served under Colonel Spark from Feb69 until he was reassigned as CO of 3d Marines. He was my immediate supervisor when he was G-2 of 3rd MarDiv. I was the Special Intel O for the 3d Div. Colonel Spark was the only person I would admit knew more about the enemy in the I Corps AO than I did. We talked almost every night until late - past midnight most nights. He asked me to go with lhim as he S-2, but General Davis would not allow it, the General said he would let one or the other, but not both of us leave.I never forget January 15th because on that day in 1969 the Marines, and especially this one, lost a great friend and an outstanding Marine.
Monday, June 28, 2004 |
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Dario Avello
djavello@bellsouth.net
Casual acquaintance
14330 Kendale Lakes Dr
Miami, FL 33183 USA
Time out to speak with a Corporal
Approximately a week and so before his death, Colonel Spark came into the Dong Ha DASC while I was on Comm Duty. I was sitting in a corner with all my wire and radio comm gear when he approached me. I can't quite remember the topics about which we spoke. He was awaiting a chopper ride and our DASC was as good a terminal to do so, particularly since we plotted all air operations and artillery firing missions on our boards. It was a nerve center of information. He was very affable, unusually accessible to an NCO of my rank (the lowest) and whilst no details of our conversation are clear, I distinctly remember an earnest attempt to connect with me. He inquired as to how I had fared in my tour of duty thus far (I was short, less than two months to my rotation to the US). In short, I really enjoyed the small talk and I hope that interlude gave the Colonel a respite from the responsibilities of his command. As part of MASS-2, I flew in choppers several times around the Dong Ha-Camp Carroll-Con Thien-Vandegrift corridor, to and fro our DASC's and ASRTs deployed. I was extremely dissappointed and saddened to read about his untimely death. From my perspective, I was always a quick study of a good officer and leader. Colonel Spark struck me immediately as belonging in that category. I have just found this memorial. I has taken me 36 years to get here. Thank you Colonel, for the wise words of encouragement and human interaction during our brief crossing of paths.moments I have and will always cherish.
Sunday, September 25, 2005 |
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