By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — On Sept. 4, 1969, the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, known as The Big Red One, 1st Battalion of the 26 Infantry Regiment, the Blue Spaders, was engaged in combat operations in Vietnam. In one particular unit five soldiers, including a lieutenant, were killed. Since 2004, that unit’s survivors get together every few years at various places around the country. This year, they met in Pentwater, hosted by unit member Ron Hollis.
On Thursday, Aug. 22, the group of seven (one more was expected to arrive later in the day) visited the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
“We were honored that this group of heroes chose to visit the maritime museum,” said Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society. “Throughout the season of all three of our museums (Historic White Pine Village, Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, and Rose Hawley Archives) we get a wide-variety of visitors. But, a group of combat veterans like these gentlemen is a true honor.”
Maritime museum volunteer Mike Brabrock, background, helps one of the visitors in the car ferry pilot house simulator.
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