Courtesy photo Brigadier General William Weise, USMC (retired), right, presents
Lieutenant Colonel Jack Deichman, USMC (retired) with his Bronze Star during the
Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony at the Coatesville Veteran Affairs Medical
Center on March 29, 2016.
Heaton-Lewis Books
Autographed books on history
Major General James E. Livingston
United States Marine Corps Retired,
Medal of Honor, Vietnam
Medal of Honor Citation
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, Second
Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in action against
enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 2 May 1968, Company E launched a
determined assault on the heavily fortified village of Dai Do which had been seized by the enemy on the preceding evening isolating a Marine
company from the remainder of the battalion. Skillfully employing screening
agents, Captain Livingston maneuvered his men to assault positions across 500
meters of dangerous open rice paddy while under intense enemy fire. Ignoring
hostile rounds impacting near him, he fearlessly led his men in a savage assault
against enemy emplacements within the village. While adjusting supporting arms
fire, Captain Livingston moved to the points of heaviest resistance, shouting
words of encouragement to his Marines, directing their fire, and spurring the
dwindling momentum of the attack on repeated occasions. Although twice painfully
wounded by grenade fragments, he refused medical treatment and courageously led
his men in the destruction of over 100 mutually supporting bunkers, driving the
remaining enemy from their positions, and relieving the pressure on the stranded
Marine company. As the two companies consolidated positions and evacuated
casualties, a third company passed through the friendly lines launching an
assault on the adjacent village of Dinh To, only to be halted by a furious
counterattack of an enemy battalion. Swiftly assessing the situation and
disregarding the heavy volume of enemy fire, Captain Livingston boldly
maneuvered the remaining effective men of his company forward, joined forces
with the heavily engaged Marines, and halted the enemy's counterattack. Wounded
a third time and unable to walk, he steadfastly remained in a dangerously
exposed area, deploying his men to more tenable positions and supervising the
evacuation of casualties. Only when assured of the safety of his men did he
allow himself to be evacuated. Captain Livingston's gallant actions uphold the
highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service
Noble Warrior:
The Story of Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston
USMC (Ret.) Medal of Honor, Vietnam
Noble Warrior is now only available (outside the major book sellers) in hardcover as a Print on Demand option for special events. Book purchases for book signing events with Maj. Gen. Livingston are non-refundable. Please keep this in mind when ordering. Colin and Anne will also send custom signed bookplates to accompany the books signed by the general if requested for an additional $5.00.
http://patriotspointfoundation.org/Gen_Livingston_Book_Message.html
Map of Vietnam
See the story of the Marines and Sailors of 2/4 on the American Heroes Channel link. The series is Against the Odds: episode "Magnificent Bastards of Dai Do."
http://www.ahctv.com/tv-shows/against-the-odds/against-the-odds-video/fighting-blind/
Interactive Map of the Vietnam War by State and High School
http://www.virtualwall.o
Southern Sense Radio Show with Annie with Maj. Gen. Livingston and Colin D. Heaton discussing Noble Warrior, Politics and Current Events
Joe Galloway Narrating Salute to Helo Pilots
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=02e_1374306864
Maj Gen Livingston and 29 Other MOH Recipirnts Honored at MLB All Star Game aired on July 17, 2018
https://www.mlb.com/video/medal-of-honor-recipients/c-2279902983
Maj Gen Livingston Speech Endorsing VFW book on Vietnam War
VFW Brutal Battles of Vietnam book video
As you can see from this production,
the Vietnam war was not a war of aggression fought by U.S. minority draftees
against peasant insurgents. It was a full on invasion of regular
North Vietnam Divisions sponsored by Russia and China.
www.c-span.org/video/?320869-1/debate-vietnam-war
See a historical compilation of Vietnam at the link below
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/Vietnam.html
Congratulations to Maj Gen Livingston and Sara on their 50th Wedding Anniversary
Photo courtesy of Paige B. Sawyer
Maj Gen Livingston is Auburn University's only Medal of Honor recipient now featured in USO documentary
http://www.oanow.com/news/auburn/au-s-only-medal-of-honor-recipient-featured-in-uso/article_acbcf530-48a2-11e8-a06f-7773ae0fe27f.html
Prager Video on Who Really Lost Vietnam
https://www.prageru.com/courses/history/truth-about-vietnam-war
Capt. Ben Cascio, 1Lt Duck Nelson, Cpl. Bocanegra, Cpl. Kaiser & Doc Jones (Khe Sanh, Christmas Day, 1967) Helo pilot Ben Casio is one of the heroes discussed in the book, a remarkable story indeed
The Radio Show site is below
The link to the recorded show is below
Battle of Dai Do Video Segments
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Colin Heaton and Maj Gen Livingston at a signing in Georgetown, SC in 2010
Maj Gen Livingston Interviewed During Saigon Survivors Commemoration Event
Maj Gen Livingston Video Interview
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/medal-of-honor/2014/09/12/james-livingston-shares-his-story-of-extraordinary-courage/15535189/
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/medal-of-honor/2014/09/12/james-livingston-shares-his-story-of-extraordinary-courage/15535189/
CHARITIES
In support of Wounded Warrior Project, Independence Fund and Fisher House we will take orders for signed photographs of Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston. If you wish to order one, and want it personalized, please send us an email with your request. Photos are $50.00 plus $5.00 postage. Please go to "Links" to support the these charities.
Maj. Gen. Livingston handing Marine Cpl. Michael Jernigan the Trojan Hero Award on the USS Yorktown on May 15, 2012
The Nov. 19, 2010 Quantico event was fantastic, and 29th Commandant of Marines Gen. Alfred M. Gray arrived and signed books. See our photos and links sections. We concluded the event at the Globe and Laurel, and were the guests of Major Rick Spooner, a wonderful man, legend in his own right, and a WW II veteran. Commandant of Marines Gen. Amos arrived, along with the undersecretary of the Navy, and all had a great time.
Below: Maj. Gen. Livingston at Eagle Oaks Country Club with Fox News anchor John Scott
Please see our links section, where videos related to our books, interviews and other information are located, and this will be constantly updated.
To all active duty military and retired military: We will give you a 20% discount off the posted website cover price for signed copies (except limited editions) and free shipping to any APO and FPO addresses overseas. Notify us of your status, unit, rank, etc.
We will update this page as times and events are confirmed and more events are scheduled in 2011 and 2012. Should organizations wish to book the general for speaking or book signing events, please contact us far in advance.
The general was honored by the American veterans Center along with many other deserving heroes. The link to the taped awards program is
http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/Video.asp#
Commandant General Joseph Dunford's 2014 Birthday Message
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/368823/2014-marine-corps-birthday-message#.VqozLr0s7eo
Maj. Gen. Livingston's 76th Birthday Party
Maj. Gen. Livingston Class of 1962 Receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Auburn University
USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG-114)
The US Navy's newest Arleigh Burke C;ass destroyer was commissioned as the USS Ralph Johnson, in memory of Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient and Marine LCPL Ralph Johnson. The dignitary list was long and distinguished, and some photos of the event are posted.
CDR Patterson, USN is the new captain of the USS Ralph Johnson. Here he is holding his presentation copy of our book Noble Warrior, presented by Maj Gen Livingston dedicated to the ship and crew.
Maj Gen Livingston addressed the annual VFW National Convention in New Orleans on July 25, 2017, and his speech regarding veterans, the military and service past, present and future was well received.
Maj Gen Livingston receives the Order of the Palmetto. Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Joe Bustos, Mrs. Sara Livingston, MG James E. Livingston, Governor Henry McMaster, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie, Patriots Point Development Authority Board Member Susan Marlowe
https://www.moultrienews.com/news/livingston-recognized-at-state-house/article_a0757c66-5aae-11e8-9b7d-43b8bb5d664e.html
https://www.moultrienews.com/news/livingston-recognized-at-state-house/article_a0757c66-5aae-11e8-9b7d-43b8bb5d664e.html
Two generations of Echo Co. 2/4 skippers together in 2017, Maj Gen James E. Livingston commanded E/2/4 in 1968 in Vietnam, and Major Scott Huesing commanded Echo Co. in Iraq during the fight for Ramadi during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Scott will be releasing a new book, Echo in Ramadi to be published by Random House.
We will advertise Scott's book on our website, and it has been endorsed by the 2/4 Association and we expect it to be a serious contender, joining Noble Warrior on the Commandant's Reading List.
We are proud to have been working with Maj Gen Livingston for over a decade, and now we have the great honor of working with Major Huesing, who led his Echo Marines into history following the great tradition of 2/4 and the United States Marine Corps. Scott's forthcoming book Echo in Ramadi is highlighted in the attached video link https://youtu.be/GH70KKCRaZI Scott was a special guest on the Southern Sense Radio Show with Ann Uebelis discussing his career and his book Echo in Ramadi on Blog Talk Radio located at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/southernsense/2017/07/07/scott-huesing--echo-in-ramadi-and-ed-brodow--tyranny-of-the-minority
Lt. Col. Jack Deichman, USMC (Ret)
(Photo By Ginger Dunbar, Daily Local News)
The Coatesville Veteran Affairs Medical Center honored Vietnam veterans Tuesday during its Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) conducted events nationwide on March 29 in VA facilities to recognize, honor and thank Vietnam War veterans for their service and sacrifices, as part of the national Vietnam War Commemoration.
“Through Commemorations, like today’s we intend to offer the thanks of our nation to as many as possible of the 7.2 million living Vietnam veterans and the 9 million families of those who served from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975,” said Gary Devansky, Coatesville VA Medical Center director. The 138 veterans present at the Coatesville VA in Caln received a commemoration pin from VA Department. During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Deichman received the Bronze Star medal with the “V” device, which means he received the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
Deichman was commissioned as a second lieutenant in April 1967. After months of training, he was sent to Vietnam in late September, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.
From April 30 to May 3, 1968, Deichman participated in combat operations around a group of villages named Dai Do. The 652 marines and sailors of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines were tasked to stop the advance of a 10,000-man strong 320 North Vietnamese Army Division. The 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines halted the advancing enemy and drove them back into North Vietnam.
Deichman was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions under fire and the Purple Heart for being wounded in action. His company commander received the Congressional Medal of Honor. His battalion commander, now retired Brigadier General William Weiss was awarded the Navy Cross. Weiss presented Deichman with his Bronze Star at the event.
After Vietnam, Deichman continued his career in the Marine Corps. He transitioned and spent the next 22 years in the communications and intelligence, fields. He served in various assignments which included serving as the first marine on the National Signals Intelligence Council. His last assignment was as a battalion commander of a Marine Support Battalion. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Lt. Colonel in 1986.
Deichman’s military awards include: Silver Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and his newly presented Bronze Star Medal.
Coatesville VA is one of 152 Veteran Affairs Medical Centers nationwide.
“From the beginning of the Vietnam War, Coatesville Veteran Affairs Medical Center has served Vietnam Veterans who came home,” Devansky said. “On behalf of the employees at the Coatesville VA Medical Center we are very honored to host this important commemoration and to say a sincere thank you to all Vietnam era veterans for their sacrifice and service to our nation.”
State Rep. Steve Barrar, majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, along with other members of the House and Senate, said the ceremony recognized the end of the Vietnam War and celebrated the men and women who served there.
All of the Vietnam veterans in attendance in Harrisburg were presented with lapel pins to recognize them for their service. An eagle, laurel wreath, and the stars and stripes were imprinted on the pins.
“Unfortunately, for reasons well out of their control, Vietnam veterans have not received the respect they deserve,” said Barrar, R-167th of Upper Chichester. “Any personal beliefs about a war do not change the commitments and incredible dedication of our military, dedication that must never be forgotten.”
Brig. Gen. Jerry Beck spoke of the Faces Never Forgotten Project, which is dedicated to displaying a picture of each fallen Vietnam hero on the virtual wall. More than 58,000 men and women died in the war.
More Vietnam Veterans from 2/4 Recognized
Dan "Waggs Waggoner (left) and Mike Castle served together, and in 1969 Mike saved Dan's life after he was hit by a RPG near a river. decades later the riddle was solved. Maj Gen Livingston and BGen Weise presented Mike Castle with a Bronze Star on August 4, 2017, which was long overdue.
Major Kenneth Johnson
Above: Major Kenneth Johnson, US Army (Ret) (center) received the Silver Star 44 years after his heroic actions. Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) is to the right.See the news article at the link below:
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/oct/19/veteran-awarded-silver-star-ar-4790468/
Silver Star
Ken Johnson is heavily mentioned in Noble Warrior, as his UH-1 helicopter unit, including his crewmen and fellow Army aviators such as Sam Davis and Wally Nunn, supported the Marines of 2/4 during the epic three day Battle of Dai Do. Recently, 44 years later, Ken finally received the Silver Star for his heroic actions. Piloting his helicopter into enemy fire and under friendly fire many times, he saved the lives of many soldiers and Marines. Well done Ken! Many are alive today because of you, Sam and Wally. RIP Major Ken Johnson.
Brig Gen Bill Wiese and Capt Cascio
Nov 9, 2013
Yesterday I had an incredible experience-- a ride in YN 19, a 50 year old H-34 helicopter, piloted by Captain Ben Cascio, USMC (Retired) who lost an eye and was badly wounded in a night medical evacuation which saved the lives of his crew and 8 Magnificent Bastards of on 30 April 1968. My last previous ride in an H-34 was on a stretcher in 2 May 1968 during the Battle Of DaiDo
This venerable aircraft participated in the Operation Starlight in August, 1965 and most likely carried Marines and Sailors of the 2d Bn 4th Marines in a successful helicopter--borne assault under the command of LtCol "Bull" Fisher. It may have even carried LCpl Joe Paul, 2/4's first Medal of Honor recipient. Starlight was a highly successful spoiling attack which destroyed a Viet Cong Regiment prevented destruction of Chu Lai Air Base.
YN 19 made it's last official flight by landing at the National Museum of the Marine Corps where it will become the center piece of a new exhibit highlighting Operation Starlight and the Vietnam War. the exhibit is scheduled to open in 2016. Operation Starlight was the first United States major ground operation of the Vietnam War. A huge crowd welcomed the arrival of YN 19 and her crew.
Semper Fi,
Bill
The General and his Events
The Vinyards and Livingstons at the Ball 2012 
Maj Gen Livignston and Jim Vinyard, Rock Hill USMC Ball 2013
Secretary of Defense General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, USMC (Ret) with Maj Gen James and Sara Livingston during the May 2018 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Battle of Dai Do.
2nd Bn 4th Marines Memorial Bricks
Brig Gen William Weise 
SPRING 2014 CEREMONY PLANNED TO CELEBRATE INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST 376 BRICKS HONORING ALL MAGNIFICENT BASTARDS WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY
The first 376 bricks will be installed in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park in December 2013. A ceremony to celebrate this event will be held in the Spring next year—date to be determined. A $78,960 check to pay for these bricks was given to the President of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation by Manuel Travassos and Dave Jones on July 29, at a ceremony held at the 2d Bn 4th Marines Monument. The bricks will be placed in reverse chronological sequence. The first brick will honor Sgt William Stacy, who was killed in January 2012, in Afghanistan. The 376th brick will honor HM3 John P. Hyland, a Navy Corpsman who was killed in February 1968, in Vietnam. These bricks will include all 2/4 Marines and Sailors killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and most of those killed in 1968—69 in Vietnam.
Research continues to discover the names of those killed in World War ll and earlier. Dale Robinson has diligently uncovered the names of those who were killed fighting in Bataan, Corregidor and those who died or killed while prisoners of war. We estimate a final total of 1000 or more bricks which will require raising about $135,000 to complete this project When completed, the 2/4 Association will be the first battalion to honor all its fallen members by name in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Note: All proceeds from the sale of the book, “One Magnificent Bastard—BGen William Weise”, will be donated to purchase bricks. You may also contribute by sending a check for any amount, made payable to “The 2/4 Memorial Brick Fund” and mailed to
2dBattalion 4th Marines Association, Inc,
455 Concord Parkway N. #6511
Concord, NC 28027
Objectives:
Encourage a closer bond between present day Marines/Sailors and their predecessors.
Assist the National Museum of the Marine Corps to fulfill its mission of “telling American History through the eyes of the Marine Corps” by providing significant financial support.
Visually demonstrate the pride Marines have in their heritage.
Let families and friends of those who gave their last full measure see and feel the esteem we have for their loved ones.
Encourage other organizations to undertake similar projects.
The General on various Radio Shows
The link below will allow you to download a 9 meg audio file of General Livingston's interview on Joe Griffies' Welcome Home Show for Veterans, which broadcasts out of south Jersey. The General's daughter, Missy, is a frequent guest and I've called in from time to time. The General, as always, gives a great interview and pays tribute to all Veterans and MOH recipients. He refers to the Vietnam Veterans as 'The NEW Greatest Generation'.
General Livingston Welcome Home 11.30.13.mp3
Dan Waggoner finished KIA videos for 1965 and 1966.
1965 KIA
1966 KIA
1967 KIA updated video from Dan Waggoner
1968 KIA videos remade by Dan Waggoner
1968 KIA Part 1
1968 KIA Part 2
40 years Later Vietnam POWs Gather
