Sgt. Rhys A. Evans
1st Marine Division

More than 250 Marines and guests of 3rd Amphibious Assault Vehicle Battalion gathered May 9 at Camp Delmar to rededicate battle streamers and reflect on their history.

Major Gen. Frank Libutti, commanding general, 1st Marine Division, began the ceremony by paying homage to the guest of honor, Col. Frank "Stub" Chace, a former 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion commander during Vietnam and one of the fathers of the modern amphibious assault vehicle.

"We owe you a heart-felt thanks for your leadership and your contribution to our great Corps and country," MajGen. Libutti said.

"When I think of the heroes of my past as a young man growing up, my friend, I think of you."

Chace, a bronze star recipient for actions in Vietnam reflected on the history of "Amtracs" and how they evolved from the LVTP5 to the present day LVPT7 Amphibious Assault Vehicle.

"Colonel Chace has done more single handedly for the Amtrac community than anyone past or present on the surface of this earth," Col. Roy R. Bird, commanding officer, 3rd AAV Bn., said. "He is in essence a living legend."

In addition to dedicating four LVTP5's to the battalion command post, Chace donated his bronze star and personal memorabilia.

"Because of my association and strong feelings towards this battalion, I return this medal to you and entrust it to your care," the 28-year-veteran said. Other veterans were there to rededicate the Vietnam battle streamers. "When I came out here, I felt like I never left," Jerry Robertson, a veteran from 1969 said.

"I really haven't done anything with Amtracs since Vietnam, however, once a Marine always a Marine and that's how they made me feel."

Marines from the Vietnam era to present honored the retirement of MSgt. Michael J. Chavez for his 28 years of service.

"When I first came to 3rd Tracs, some of these veterans were kicking my butt to prepare me for Vietnam," MSgt. Chavez said.

"They are the ones who taught me how to be a staff noncommissioned officer."

The ceremony ended as Marines of 3rd AAV Bn. saluted the proud veterans in a pass in review. The men of 3rd Tracs stood erect knowing the tradition would be carried on by the troops marching before them.

"When I was a young Marine standing in formation at Twenty-nine Palms, I used to say to myself, why am I standing out here," Scotty Davis, a former master gunnery sergeant said. "Now, I sure wish I could stand out there again."