George Evans was born in Mt. Carmel, LA on January 13, 1942. He is the son of Madie L. Evans and Charles P. Evans and is the oldest of eight siblings.
He graduated from George Washington Carver High school in DeRidder, LA in May of 1959 and enlisted in the US Navy the following month, and throughout his naval career he worked in Naval Weapon/Combat System (Fire Control Technician and Fire Control Officer).
His first sea assignment was USS Harry E Hubbard (DD-748), and after serving on the Hubbard as a FT Striker he attended FTA and FTC Schools at Naval Training Center Sand Diego.
From 1966-1968 he was given shore leave as an instructor at Guided Missile System Training School in Mare Island, CA and then served as the Fire Control Technician on the USS Yarnell from 1968-1971.
Following the Yarnell he returned to Instructor Duty from 1974-1977 at Mare Island.
He retired from active duty in 1983 and has worked as an AEGIS Combat Systems Training Analyst, Computer Consultant and Support Technician.
Eugene was part of the Army Air Corps and a United State Air Force Pilot.
World War II:
March 1946 Communications Office
1946 Training Officer
1946 Training Office
1946 France, C-54 Project
Born in Lovell, WY in 1919, Eugene entered the U.S. Army Corps in 1941, as a Primary Aviation Cadet. He went to training at Lowry Air Force Base, CO, King City, CA, Moffet Field, CA, and Luke Field, CA. In Long Beach, CA, Eugene became a Second Lieutenant and learned to fly aircraft, and later transport planes to the East Coast, such as the B-25, A-20, C-60, B-24 and the B-17. In 1943, he was transferred to Africa.
In Africa he would fly cargo to China and troops to north Africa, with the North African Division Air Transport Command as chief pilot. He would contract malaria. While in Africa he was assigned 5 aircraft and crews in order to establish the 1261st Base Unit in Cappodichino, Italy in order to support the Fifteenth Air Force.
Eugene would return to the U.S. in 1945. He would apply to be part of the regular Army Air Force, as well as return to the University of Denver to complete his degree in mathematics.
Korean War:
From 1953-1956, Eugene was the commander of the 37th 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron in Ashiya, Japan. While the Korean War took place Eugene had many responsibilities as the Group Operations Officer of the 314/316 TC troops and the 62nd TC squadron, as well as Squadron Commander of the 187th and 508th, by providing support and replacement aircraft.
Vietnam War:
During the Vietnam War, Eugene was the Missile Test Project Officer in FL, and oversaw 38 missile launches. From 1960-1964, under the John F. Kennedy administration he would work in the Pentagon. During 1964-1967, Eugene was part of a team that would establish the Western Test Range, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in CA.
Military Career:
1941 Primary Flight School King City, CA
1941 Basic Flight School Moffet Field, CA
1942 Advanced Flight School Luke Field, CA
April 1943-Oct. 1943 Ferry Pilot: Long Beach, CA
Oct. 1943-Jan. 1944 Pilot: Africa/Middle East Wing Air Transport Command
Jan. 1944-Jan. 1945 North African Division Air Transport Command Chief Pilot, Naples Italy
1945-1947 Chief Flight Supervisor Long Beach, CA Fairfield/Travis, CA AFB
1948 Westover AFB, MA
1948-1950 University of Denver, Mathematics degree
1950-1952 Wright Field, Armament Labs
1953-1956 Ashiya, Japan Commander 37th 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron, Korean War
Box served in the United States Air Force from January 1968-June 1980. His highest rank was Captain (active) and Major (retired).
He was part of the 16th Special Operations Squadron, 33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS), 55 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS). In Vietnam he was part of the following battles/campaigns:
Medals or special service award: Distinguished Flying Cross (2) [w/ olc]
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918.
Air Medal (8)
Purple Heart (1)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Box’s personal video that was taking during his service in Vietnam.
James Roskoph, born in Cleveland, Ohio, served the U.S. Navy from February 1956 through November 1978. He served in numerous campaigns in Vietnam, including combat duty as a patrol officer for the River Patrol Force. He also served as an adviser with the Navy for Iran.
Mr. Roskoph received many medals and awards for his service, including the following:
Mr. Roskoph special duties and achievements include the following:
Chief Engineer
Patrol Officer-Surface, River Patrol Force
Warfare Officer
Military Advisor-for both Vietnam and Iran
He also advanced from fireman recruit to Lieutenant, including 3 warrant officer grades and 3 chief petty officer grades
Ships Engineer
Mr Roskoph discussing training for Vietnam, particularly SERE and being part of the River Patrol Force, River Squad 572, which consisted of 10 boats. He also discusses being part of 99 patrol missions, 10 fire fights, and patrolling the Son or Son Troc River mainly at night and some ambushes.
Col. Bancroft was part of the United States Marine Corps, from 1958-1991. He attended Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, South Carolina in 1958 , as well as Infantry Training Regiment in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina the same year. He was a part of the First Marine Division, Second Marine Division, Third Marine Division.
He served 3 tours as a First Class Private with the U.S. Marine Corps:
March 9, 1965-April 1966 (Danang, Vietnam)
July 1966 – August 1967 (Chu Lai, Vietnam)
July 1969-August 1970 (Hoi An, Vietnam)
His list of merits includes:
Legion of Merit
Good Conduct Medal (2 Stars)
Navy Presidential Unit Citation (1 Star)
National Defense Service Medal (1 Star)
Vietnam Service Medal (7 Stars)
Vietnam Campaign Medal (1960 Device)
Combat Action Ribbon
Meritorious Unit Commendation (1 Star)
Republic of Vietnam-Civil Actions Color 1st Class (Palm & Frame)
