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3-1 HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND FROM THE SOUTHERN CROSS FOR OCTOBER 15, 1969.

Electronic copy of article provided by Leslie Hines


LZ 4-11 â€” LTC Leslie J. Stottle Jr. (Clarksville, Tenn.) became CO of the 3rd Bn., 1st Inf., "as he accepted" the battalion standard from LTC George Ellis (Kent, Ohio), the outgoing commander.

MG Lloyd B. Ramsey noted the progress made under LTC Ellis' command: "A few months ago this was enemy territory, yet today we stand here having this impressive ceremony. LTC Stottle, you can see the results of LTC Ellis' fine leadership and the hard work of this fine battalion you are receiving."

LTC Ellis directed the creation of the forward firebase during July of this year. It was carved from an area controlled by several NVA battalions and was an enemy infiltration route.

As LTC Ellis delivered his farewell address, he suddenly pointed to several infantrymen watching the ceremony from a bunker line. "You men standing on top of the hill take it back to the field tell them that they are the ones who do the real job out here."

MG Ramsey presented the departing commander the Air Medal for Valor with 13th Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Legion of Merit.

LTC Stottle comes to the 11th Bde. from assignment in Washington D.C. He previously served in Vietnam with the 2nd Bn., 5th Cav. 1965-66.

(11th IO)


An original copy of this document was donated to the Americal Division Veterans Association (ADVA) by LTC Paul Parham who served as Information Officer for the Americal Division.

3-1 Holds Change of Command from the Southern Cross for October 15, 1969.: List
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