SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR

DETACHMENT HISTORY

2003 - Detachment Commander: Mark Buckingham,
Watchstanders: Sgt Alvarado, Rudy A. Galima, Sgt Hayes, Sgt Tweedie, Sgt Walters

2002 - Detachment Commander: Mark Buckingham
Watchstanders: Sgt. Alvarado, Crum, Rudy A. Galima, Sgt. Hayes,Cpl. Heidenthal, Hill, Nguen, Purcell, Rickels, Cpl. Strader, Sgt. Tweedie, Voorhees, White,

2001 - Detachment Commander: Mark Buckingham,
Watchstanders: Michael B. Polendey,
Jananuary 14 - Earthquake: Relief Web USGS World Vision CNN PAHO Radix
Guardian Quake2002 EQE USAID

1999 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Michael Holguin
Watchstanders: Michael N. Hanes, Russell W. Jewell
Francisco Flores Pérez (ARENA party) was elected president U.S. President Clinton visited San Salvador, Gvt approved U.S. military base replacing Panama base.

1998 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Michael Holguin
Watchstanders: Michael N. Hanes, Patrick C. Isley,
Major Hurricane Mitch

1997 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Michael Holguin
Watchstanders: Watchstanders: Patrick C. Isley,

1996 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Jose Alejandro Fernandez, Patrick C. Isley,

1995 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Jose Alejandro Fernandez, Gaspar (Goose) Guzman,

1994 - Detachment Commander: MSgt. Ulysses McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders: Gaspar (Goose) Guzman,
Armando Calderón elected president

1993 - Detachment Commander: MSgt. Ulysses McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bradley Anderson,, John Andrews,
Defense Minister Gen. René Emilio Ponce resigned due to 1989 murder of Jesuit priests, death squads and other atrocities. Human Rights Watch

1992 - Detachment Commander: MSgt. Ulysses McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders:Sgt. Bradley Anderson,, John Andrews, Sgt. Gerald (Jay) L. Barrett, Sgt. Malloy, Cpl. Mayfield, Sgt. Stanford, David Henderson

1991 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Martin L. Bradley /
Watchstanders:Sgt. Bradley Anderson, John Andrews, Sgt. Gerald (Jay)L. Barrett, Kevin Van Tassell, David Henderson

1990 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Martin L. Bradley A/: SSgt. Ed Messina
Watchstanders Sgt. Gregory Barr, Sgt. Gerald (Jay) L. Barrett, Matthew Cassidy, Sgt. Kies, Sgt. Menker, Kevin Van Tassell,

1989 - Detachment Commander: GySgt. Martin L. Bradley
Watchstanders: Sgt. Ivy, Sgt. Kies, Cpl. Lovato, Sgt. Parisi, Cpl. Sarkissian, Cpl. Smith,
The National Federation of Salvadoran Workers (FENESTRAS) headquarters was bombed,
Among dead - FENESTRAS president Elizabeth Velásquez.
6 Jesuit priests and 2 female employees murdered by military death squad. El Salvador condemned for murders

1987 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Ronald B. Biggs, Charles W. Elliot, III, Matthew Jackson,
Rebel forces destroy El Paraiso, El Salvador's 2nd largest military base

1986 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Ronald B. Biggs, Charles W.Elliot, III, Matthew Jackson,
Earthquake hits El Salvador, killing over 1,000 and leaving nearly half a million people homeless.
American Rescue Team El Salvador Earthquakes

1985 - Detachment Commander: Robert D. Gorman A/: Bill Farnell
Watchstanders: Ronald B. Biggs, Charles W. Elliot, III, Julian L. Gonzales, Anton S. Koszuth, Mark D.Lay, Shane Pitzer, David W. Rowe, Gregory H.Weber,
19 June - Zona Roza Attack - 4 MSGs Killed. Terrorist attack that took place in the Zona Rosa restaurant area of San Salvador,

Pat Kwiatkowski KIA
Bobby Joe Dixon KIA
Greg Weber KIA
Tom Handwork KIA

Department of Justice Report
US Senate Hearings
Marine Embassy Guard Association: The Fallen
DVIDS: MCESG Honors Fallen San Salvador MSGs
Remarks of the Families of the Fallen San Salvador MSGs
President Reagan - Fallen San Salvador MSGs at Andrews AFB
Conclusion of Ceremony for Slain San Salvador MSG's
"The Prism" article describing the environment surrounding the assasination of MSGs: Belly of the beast

1984 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Curtis Benge, Julian L. Gonzales, Anton S. Koszuth, Mark D. Lay, Shane Pitzer, Steve Jon Rennie, David W. Rowe, Norman H. Wilcox
EL SALVADOR AFTER 1979--FORCES IN THE CONFLICT,

1983 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Curtis Benge, Shane Pitzer, Steve Jon Rennie, Norman H. Wilcox

1982 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Curtis Benge, Sgt. William H. Diaz, James F. Healy, Rod Richards, Norman H. Wilcox
Alvaro Magaña elected president. ARENA's Roberto d'Aubuisson (believed to have orderred murder of Archbishop Romero) made president of constituent assembly.

1981 - Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert G. Bledsoe, Sgt. William H. Diaz, James F. Healy, SSgt Dana Lau, Wayne Mastriano, Rodney S. Richards, David Rodriguez,
Atlacatl army battalion (US Trained) massacres 794 men, women, and children in El Mozote. (The New Yorker Article: The Truth of El Mazote)

1980 - RSO: Chris Disney
Detachment Commander: GySgt Steve J. Csabon, Jr.
Watchstanders: Gary D. Adams, Sgt Roarke Anderson, Sgt. Clark W. Baker, Sgt Robert Bledsoe, Sgt Alan Carter, Sgt. Rick Cheever, Sgt. Alex Covarrubias, Cpl. Darryl Crawford, Sgt. William H. Diaz, Sgt. Mick Ferlaino, Sgt Robert Fowler, Sgt. Martin W. Franciscus, Sgt. Donald L. Hunter, Sgt. Doug James, Sgt. Al Kelleher, SSgt. Dana Lau, Wayne Mastriano, Sgt. Patrick Moore, Cpl. Timothy Pester, Sgt. Ed Rivas, David Rodriguez, Sgt. Andy Shillinglaw, Sgt. Garry Stahl, Sgt. Johny J Valero

Combat Action Ribbon 1979 - 1980
Ungo and Mayorga resign in despute with junta. new junta forms with José Napoleón Duarte
Troops open fire on protest demonstration, killing 20. Attorney General Mario Zamora, one of the few remaining civilians in the government, assassinated.
ARCHBISHOP OSCAR ROMERO, assassinated. Massacre at funeral / 39 dead and 200 injured.
Remembrance UN Commission Creighton University

Military violence increases / thousands murdered by troops.
Duarte declared president by military-civilian junta assuring larger aid packages from the U.S.
4 American churchwomen were kidnapped, raped, and murdered by government soldiers,

1979 - RSO: Chris Disney
Company Commander: XO: Captain Richard Huck
NCOIC: GySgt Steve J. Csabon, Jr. A/: Sgt May Brown
Watchstanders: Gary D. Adams, Sgt Roarke Anderson, Sgt. Clark W. Baker, Sgt Alan Carter, Sgt. Rick Cheever, Sgt. Alex Covarrubias, Cpl. Darryl Crawford, Sgt. William H. Diaz, Sgt. Mick Ferlaino, Sgt Robert Fowler, Sgt. Martin W. Franciscus, Sgt. Donald L. Hunter, Sgt. Doug James, Sgt. Al Kelleher, Sgt. Dana Lau, Sgt. Patrick Moore, Cpl. Timothy Pester, Sgt. Ed Rivas, Sgt. Andy Shillinglaw, Sgt. Garry Stahl, Sgt. Johny J Valero

Gen. Romero was overthrown by the “COLONELS' COUP.” replaced by a military-civilian junta Román Mayorga Quiroz , Guillermo Ungo , Col. Adolfo Majano and Col. Jaime Abdul Gutiérrez, Col. Guillermo García. Duarte returns from exile.
National security forces massacred 25 protesters. Ex Generals on Trial Truth Commission-El Salvador

1978 - RSO: James "Tex" Sanford / Chris Disney
Company Commander: Major Phillip Ray XO: Captain Richard Huck
NCOIC: GySgt Steve J. Csabon, Jr. A/: Sgt May Brown
Watchstanders: Gary D. Adams, Sgt. Clark W. Baker, Sgt Alan Carter, Sgt. Rick Cheever, Sgt. Alex Covarrubias, Cpl. Darryl Crawford, Sgt. William H. Diaz, Sgt. Mick Ferlaino, Sgt Robert Fowler, Sgt. Martin W. Franciscus, Sgt. Donald L. Hunter, Sgt. Patrick Moore, Cpl. Timothy Pester, Sgt. Andy Shillinglaw, Sgt. Garry Stahl,

1977 - RSO - James "Tex" Sanford
Company Commander: Major Phillip Ray XO: Capt. Germain
NCOIC: MSgt. Donald Brennan A/: Sgt. Leon Vialpando
Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert Barboza, Sgt. Robert Berlin, Sgt Rick Cheever, Cpl. Earl Griebler, Cpl. Timothy Howel, Sgt. James Manlove, Sgt. Jonathan Miner, Sgt. Patrick Moore, SSgt. Thaddeus "Ted" Olko, Sgt. Dan Olsen, Sgt. William Rivera, Sgt. Terri L. Stewart,

Fraudulent elections government security forces( ORDEN - "death squads" ) terrorize opponents,
Gen. Carlos Humberto Romero becames president.
Police and ORDEN soldiers opened fire on protest rally, killing 100.
Increased support for leftist movements Front for United Popular Action (FAPU).

1976 - RSO - James "Tex" Sanford
Company Commander: Major Phillip Ray XO: Capt. Germain
NCOIC: MSgt. Donald Brennan A/: Sgt. Leon Vialpando
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bruce Agee, Sgt Joe Binder, Sgt. Ben Curtis, Sgt. Brian Hickle, Sgt. Patrick J. Moore, Sgt. Jonathan Miner, Sgt. William Rivera
*Sgt Patrick Moore (76-79) was RSO Abidjian 04-06 / Sanna 88-90 /.Bucharest 90-93/Hong Kong 99-02

1975 - RSO - James "Tex" Sanford
Company Commander: Major Phillip Ray XO: Capt. Germain
NCOIC: MSgt. FNU Johnston A/: Sgt. Leon Vialpando
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bruce Agee, Sgt. Ben Curtis, Sgt. Brian Hickle, Sgt Jonathan Miner, Sgt. William Rivera, Gary M. Tsosie,

Protesting University students massacred by the army. Popular Revolutionary Bloc (BPR), founded.

1972
Col. Arturo Molina fraudulently becomes president defeating Christian Democrat José Napoleón Duarte Military dissidents revolt,
Protests at National University, both suppressed by Molina Troops.
ORDEN death squads punish Duarte supporters.
Duarte imprisoned, tortured, and exiled. U.S.supports Molina government.

1970 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Phillip E. Whitley,

1969 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Phillip E. Whitley,

Honduras expells 80,000 Salvadoran refugees El Salvador attacks Honduras, 4 day war. “soccer war” occurred after soccer matches between the two countries. El Salvador invaded and bombed the Honduran capital (July 14). (3,000 deaths).

1968 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders:Phillip E. Whitley,

ORDEN created by Gen. José Alberto Medrano
A right-wing paramilitary squad, ORDEN was reputed to carry out summary executions of alleged peasant subversives. receiving training from U.S. military advisers.

1967 - NCOIC: GySgt. Richard Devon
Watchstanders: Sgt. Stephen D.T. Lyon, Cpl Newton, Sgt. Parker

1966 - NCOIC: GySgt. Richard Devon A/: SSgt. Robert Rady
Watchstanders: LCpl. Allan Arving, Sgt. Jimmy Holder, Sgt. Stephen D.T. Lyon, Sgt. Dave Mullholland, Cpl. Newton, Sgt. William Parker, Sgt. Frank Schaeffer, Cpl. Charles Stevens,

1965 - NCOIC: GySgt. Ken Pehringer
Watchstanders: Cpl. Ed Decker, Cpl. Jimmy Holder, LCpl. Stephen D.T. Lyon, Sgt. Robert Rady, Cpl. Richard Seaver,

1964 - NCOIC: GySgt. Ken Pehringer
Watchstanders:Stephen Joseph Meyers,

1963 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Stephen Joseph Meyers,

1962 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Stephen Joseph Meyers,

1961 - NCOIC: SSgt George O'Connor / Donald Morrison / G. R. Wade, Jr.
Watchstanders: Sgt. Board, Cpl. Cole, SSgt. Flores, Alonzo S. Guaderrama, Sgt. Robert L. Hastey, Sgt. Miranda, Stephen Joseph Meyers, Sgt. Tklec,

5 member Military-Civilian Directorate (Junta) overthrows Govt violence leaves 96 dead.

1960 - NCOIC:
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bill Hart, Robert L. Hastey

1959 - Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
NCOIC: Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hill
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bill Bell, Cpl. Scott Bruner, Sgt. Bill Hart, Sgt. John T. Lytle, Cpl. Smith(fuzzy on his name)-called Smitty by everyone, Sgt. Manuel Soliz, Sgt. William C. Wonicker,

1958 - Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
NCOIC: Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hill
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bill Bell, Cpl. Scott Bruner, Sgt. Bill Hart, Sgt. John T. Lytle, Cpl. Smith(fuzzy on his name)-called Smitty by everyone, Sgt Manuel Soliz, Sgt. William C. Wonicker,

1957 - Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
NCOIC: Master Sgt. Willard Saville
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bill Bell, Cpl. Scott Bruner, Sgt. Bill Hart, Sgt. John T. Lytle, Cpl. Smith(fuzzy on his name)-called Smitty by everyone, Sgt Manuel Soliz, Sgt. William C. Wonicker,

1955 - NCOIC: MSgt Michael J.J. Kennedy,
Watchstanders:Tony Borgese, Bill Boyle, Roger Ellis, Fred Goodell, Johnny Hopkins, Rodney Rodgers, Mike Spano, Baily Taylor,

1954 - NCOIC: MSgt Michael J.J. Kennedy,
Watchstanders: Fred Goodell,

From Fred Goodell (Jan/2004)

Fall of 1954. Roger Ellis and I were selected to accompany Ambassador Robert C. Hill on a trip to Metapan, located on Lago (lake) Guija in the Northwest corner of El Salvador. Amb. Hill met with Ambassador John Peurifoy , US Envoy to Guatemala. It was the first time armed Marines accompanied the Ambassador in El Salvador. We met up with the Guatemalan group and Amb. Peurifoy was with two armed Marines from his Embassy and he too was carrying a revolver. (A gun toting diplomat - now rare). We were there two days & nights sleeping on the ground but eating well. (Very primitive town at the time with a very historical church)

We off duty Marines hung out with just about all of the Embassy staff, other US Gov't missions and other North Americans or foreigners. And we made many friends with the local population (note number who married while on post). The best liberty was the beaches and Ellis and I went diving every chance we had. All in all it was the best duty ever and it wetted my appetite for knowing Latin America and its people. So much so that upon graduation from UNM, I spent nearly thirty years working in Central and South America.
Fred D. Goodell , Frutillar, Chile

1953 - Company Commander: Major John K. Hogan - (fmr CO Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines of the 5thMARDIV on Iwo Jima 1945)
NCOIC: MSgt Michael J.J. Kennedy, (an old China Marine.who awarded the Sun Burst of Sun Yat Sen Medal while on post)
A/: SSgt Edward Moss*
Watchstanders: Fred D. Goodell, SSgt James ???, Sgt Buddy Keifer, Sgt Clifford Dison, , Sgt Roger J. Ellis

From (Jan04): Fred D. Goodell (MEGA Life Member 099
San Salvador which was a civilian attire post.(Primarily because the Salvadorean Govt did not like the fact the US Marines had been in Nicaragua sine the 1930's.) The U.S. Embassy was located on Calle Arce, in an ex private home built in 1913. It was a grand old mansion and soon became too small for the amount of offices assigned, so another large estate across the street was acquired and used for the Consulate, USIA, and Cultural Center. (photos). We were a small group of military which included the Military Attache, Air attache, (no Naval), the USAF Mission, US Army Mission, InterAmerican Geodetic Survey (IAGS). Others included, CIA, ICA (Punto Cuatro ie. Point 4 - later AID), USIA (later known as the United States Information Service - USIS). Amb McDermott was not much of a social person during his short tour. (Photo)
The Marine House was located on 1a Calle Poniente Bis, 3 1/2 blocks from the Embassy and Consulate.

Sept 1953 Jim ???? married the Amb's. secretary .

MEGA SHIPS STORE
DETACHMENT PHOTO ALBUM

COUNTRY INFORMATION

• Recognized: 1849

• Relations established: 1863

• Legation/embassy established: 1863

POTUS visits to El Salvador
SECSTATE visits to El Salvador
US Ambassadors to El Salvador
List of Natural Disasters to El Salvador
List of Terror Incidents in El Salvador

MSG-History: San Salvador
Together We Served Unit Page: San Salvador

U.S. Embassy: El Salvador
Britannica: El Salvador
History.com: El Salvador
Google: El Salvador
CIA World Factbook: El Salvador
Wikipedia: El Salvador
DOS History: El Salvador
Travel: El Salvador
DOS Travel Advisory: El Salvador
Time: El Salvador
Weather: El Salvador
Phrase Book: Spanish
Google News: El Salvador

MCESG Region 9 (MSGBn Company D) (HQMC F Company)
(Volunteer Detachment Archivist Needed)
Send updates / corrections to history@msghistory.com

San Salvador MSGs Killed in Action

Zona Roza Attack
MEGA - The Fallen

Tom Handwork
Staff Sergeant, USMC

Pat Kwiatkoski
Sergeant, USMC

Bobby Joe Dickson
Staff Sergeant, USMC

Gregory Weber
Sergeant, USMC