MSG Detachment
American Embassy
San Salvador, El Salvador




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COMMAND CHRONOLOGY
HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region ? (1948-1954)
Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region ? (1954-1971)
MSGBn / Company D (1971-2007)
MCESG / Region 9 (2007-)

Detachment Within El Salvador




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NEWS

San Salvador MSGs Roster    * = MEGA Member                                    
A
Adams,  Gary D.  78-79 *
Agee, Bruce, Sgt.  75-76
Alvarado, Sgt  02-03
Anderson, Bradley, Sgt.  91-93
Anderson, Rourke, Sgt.  79-80
Andrews, John   91-93
Arving, Allan, LCpl. 66-66
B
Baker, Clark W., Sgt. 78-79 *
Barboza, Robert, Sgt. 77-78
Barr, Gregory, Sgt. 90
Barrett, Gerald (Jay)L. Sgt.  91-92
Bell, Bill, Sgt. 57-59
Benge, Curtis  82-84
Berlin, Robert, Sgt. 77-78
Biggs, Ronald 85-87
Binder, Joe, Sgt.  76-77
Bledsoe, Robert, Sgt 80-81
Board, Sgt. 61-
Borgese, Tony  55
Boyle, Bill  55
Bradley, Martin L., GySgt. 89-91  Det. Cmdr
Brennen, Donald MSgt., 76-77  NCOIC
Brown, May, Sgt. 78-79
Bruner, Scott, Cpl. 57-59
Buckingham, Mark   01-03  Det. Cmdr.
C
Carter, Alan  78-79
Cassidy, Matthew  90
Chevver, Rick  77-79
Cole, Cpl.  61-
Covarrubias, Sgt  78-79
Crawford, Cpl  78-79
Crum  02
Csabon, Stephen J. Jr., GySgt.  78-80  *  NCOIC.
Curtis, Ben, Sgt. 75-76
D
Decker, Ed, Cpl. 65-65
Devon, Richard, GySgt. 66-67  NCOIC
Diaz, William H., Sgt.  80-82
Dickson, Bobby J.   85
Dison, Clifford, Sgt.  53
E
Elliot, III, Charles W.   84-85 and 86-87  *
Ellis, Roger  53-55
F
Farnell, Bill
Ferlaino, Mick, Sgt. 78-79
Fernandez, Jose Alejandro  95-96
Flores, SSgt.
Fowler, Bob  78-79
Franiscus, Marty   78-79
G
Galima, Rudy A.   02–03
Geiger, Hubert Dale   89-90
Gifford, Lloyd E., Jr. 
Gonzales, Julian L.    84-85  *
Goodell, Fred D.    53-55  *
Gorman, Robert D.   Det. Cmdr
Griebler, Earl, Cpl. 77-78
Guaderrama, Alonzo S.    Class 6-61
Guzman, Gaspar (Goose)  94-95
H
Hale, David M.     79-80 *
Handwork, Thomas R.  85
Hanes, Michael N.    98-99  *
Hart, Bill     57-60   *
Hart, Bill, Sgt. 57-59
Hastey, Robert L.   60-61  *
Hayes, Sgt  02-03
Healy, James F.   81-82
Heidenthal, Cpl 02
Henderson, Dave
Hickle, Brian, Sgt. 75-76
Hill,  02
Hill, Robert, GySgt. 58-59 NCOIC
Holder, Jimmy, Sgt. 65-66
Holguin, Michael, GySgt. 98-99   Det Cmdr
Hopkins, Johnny  55
Howel, Timothy, Cpl. 77-78
Hunter, Donald L.   78-79
I
Isley, Patrick  C.   96-98
Ivy, Sgt  89
J
Jackson, Matthew  86-87
James, Doug, Sgt. 79-80
Jewell, Russell W.   Class 2-99
Johnston, FNU, MSgt. 75-76 NCOIC

K
Keifer, Buddy Sgt.  53
Kelleher, Albert J., Sgt.   79-80
Kennedy, Michael J. J.  53-55  NCOIC
Kies, Sgt  89-90
Koszuth, Anton S.    84-85 *
Kwiatkowski, Patrick R.  85
L
Lau, Dana, SSgt. 79-81
Lay, Mark D.  84-85
Lovato, Cpl  89
Lyon, Stephen D. T.    65-67  *
Lytle, John T. 57-59
M
Malloy, Sgt  92
Manlove, James, Sgt. 77-80
Mastriano, Wayne   80-81
Mayfield, Cpl 92
McDowell Jr., Ulysses, MSgt.   92-94  *  Det Cmdr.
Menker, Sgt. 90
Messina, Ed, SSgt.  90 
Meyers, Stephen Joseph   61-64
Miner, Jon  75-77
Miranda, Sgt. 61
Moore, Patrick J., Sgt.   76-79  *
Morrison, Donald   Class 6-61 NCOIC
Moss, Ed, SSgt.  53
Mullholland, Dave, Sgt. 66-66
N
Newton, Cpl   66-67
Nguen, 02
O
O'Connor, George, SSgt. 61-  NCOIC
Olko, Thaddeuz "Ted", SSgt. 77-78
Olsen, Dan, Sgt. 77-77
P
Parisi, Sgt  89
Parker, William, Sgt.   Class 66-67
Pehringer, Ken, GySgt  64-65  NCOIC
Pester, Timothy, Cpl. 78-79
Pitzer, Shane   83-85 
Polendey, Michael B. – Class 1-01
Pryor, Shawl L., Sr.   89-90
Purcell, 02-
Q
R
Rady, Robert, SSgt 65-66
Rennie, Steve Jon   83-84
Richards, Rodney S.    81-82  *
Rickels, 02-
Rivas, Eduardo Raul  Sgt. 79-80
Rivera, William, Sgt. 75-77
Rodgers, Rodney  55
Rodriguez, David  80-81 *
Rowe, David W. 84-85
S
Sarkissian, Cpl  89
Saville, Willard MSgt. 57  NCOIC
Seaver, Richard, Cpl. 65-65
Schaeffer, Frank, Sgt. 66-66
Shillinglaw, Andy, Sgt.  78-79
Smith, Cpl  89
Smith, FNU,  57-59
Soliz, Manuel, Sgt.  57-59
Spano, Mike  55
Stahl, Garry, Sgt. 78-78
Stanford, Sgt  92
Stevens, Charles, Cpl. 66-66
Stewart, Terri L., Sgt. 77-78,
Strader, Cpl  02
T
Taylor, Baily  55
Tklec, Sgt.  61
Tsosie, Gary M. 75  *
Tweedie, Sgt  02-03
U
V
Valero, Johnny  79-80  *
Van Tassell, Kevin   90-91
Vialpando, Leon J., Sgt.  75-77
Voorhees, 02
W
Wade, Jr. G. R.   Class 2-61  NCOIC
Walters, Sgt  03
Weber, Gregory H.  85
Whitley, Phillip E.  68-70 *
Wilcox, Norman   82-84  *
Wonicker, William C., Sgt. 57-59
X
Y
Z






THE NAMES OF CURRENT DETACHMENT MEMBERS ARE NOT TO BE DISPLAYED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE DETACHMENT COMMANDER
2010
Ambassador: 
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2009
Ambassador: Charles L. Glazer
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2008
Ambassador: Charles L. Glazer
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2007
Ambassador: Charles L. Glazer
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2006
Ambassador: H. Douglas Barclay
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2005
Ambassador: H. Douglas Barclay
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

2004
Ambassador: H. Douglas Barclay
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

2003

Ambassador:Rose M. Likins  /  H. Douglas Barclay
Regional Security Officer: John Root
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander: Mark Buckingham,
Watchstanders: Sgt Alvarado, Rudy A. Galima, Sgt Hayes, Sgt Tweedie, Sgt Walters

2002

Ambassador: Rose M. Likins
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Rose M. Likins
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander: Mark Buckingham,
Watchstanders: Michael B. Polendey, 
Jan 14 - Earthquake:  Relief Web   USGS     World Vision    CNN       PAHO        Radix
Guardian      Quake2002     EQE    USAID
2000

Ambassador: Anne W. Patterson / Rose M. Likins
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

1999

Ambassador: Anne W. Patterson
Company Commander: 
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, the capital of El Salvador, s Though opposed by leftist politicians, Gvt  approval for a U.S. military base replacing Panama base.
1998

Ambassador: Anne W. Patterson
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Michael Holguin
Watchstanders: Michael N. Hanes, Patrick  C. Isley,  
 Major Hurricane Mitch
1997

Ambassador: Anne W. Patterson
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Patrick  C. Isley,

1996

Ambassador: Alan H. Flanigan
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Jose Alejandro Fernandez, Patrick  C. Isley, 

1995

Ambassador: Alan H. Flanigan
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Jose Alejandro Fernandez, Gaspar (Goose) Guzman,

1994

Ambassador: Alan H. Flanigan
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
MSgt. Ulysses  McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders: Gaspar (Goose) Guzman,  
Armando Calderón Sol    ARENA elected  presidency 68%. 
1993

Ambassador: Alan H. Flanigan
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
MSgt. Ulysses  McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders: Sgt. Bradley Anderson, John Andrews, 
 Defense Minister Gen. René Emilio Ponce resigned, because of information linking him to the 1989 murder of Jesuit priests, death squads and other atrocities.   Human Rights Watch
1992

Ambassador: William Graham Walker
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
MSgt. Ulysses  McDowell Jr.
Watchstanders:  Sgt. Bradley Anderson, John Andrews, Sgt. Gerald (Jay) L. Barrett, Sgt. Malloy, Cpl. Mayfield, Sgt. Stanford,
FMLN / government sign peace treaty in Mexico City. FMLN to disarm / become a political party U.S.-trained counterinsurgency forces to disband, political prisoners would be freed, with  land grants to combatants
Peace  proclaimed ending 12-year civil war 75,000 victims
1991

Ambassador: William Graham Walker
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Martin L. Bradley  /
Watchstanders:Sgt. Bradley Anderson, John Andrews, Sgt. Gerald (Jay)L. Barrett, Kevin Van Tassell, 

1990

Ambassador: William Graham Walker
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: William Graham Walker
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Martin L. Bradley
Watchstanders:  Sgt. Ivy, Sgt. Kies, Cpl. Lovato, Sgt. Parisi, Cpl. Sarkissian, Cpl. Smith, 
ARENA's Alfredo Cristiani was elected president (boycotted by left
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
1988

Ambassador: Edwin G. Corr / William Graham Walker
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

1987

Ambassador: Edwin G. Corr
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Edwin G. Corr
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders:  Ronald B. Biggs, Charles W.Elliot, III, Matthew Jackson, 
Earthquake hit El Salvador, killing over 1,000 and leaving nearly half a million people homeless.
American Rescue Team     El Salvador Earthquakes   
1985

Ambassador: Thomas R. Pickering / Edwin G. Corr
Company Commander: 
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,   
Charles Elliot (Ashburn, VA), Mike Cooper (York, PA), Robert Ballesteros (Yside, CA), Robert D. Gorman    (Dale City, VA), Bill Farnell North Carolina, Anton Koszuth (Tahoe, CA), Jim Lane (Chicago, Ill),  Richard Sode (Maryland)
Bustos  (Los Angeles, CA),  Damiani  (Florida)  , Mike Harney  (North Carolina ?), Mike Dye   (Nashville, TN), Tahako,

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

From Chuck
No RSO (Walt Sergeant had left for Bogota, Colombia).  Assigned to the RSO office was George Lake and Linda Fleetwood.
There also was not an Ambassador at the time (Amb Tom Pickering had left for Isreal). 
Charge was David Passage. The DATT was Col Smith.  Highest ranking Marine in the embassy was Col Blizzard, whom everybody in the det liked.  Best partying communicator was Wojo, whom everybody in the det liked. Oh yeah, one of the most popular hangouts was Gloria's from what I hear...

"The Prism" article describing the environment surrounding the assasination of MSGs: Belly of the beast
1984

Ambassador: Thomas R. Pickering
Company Commander: 
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
 Duarte (PDC) elected president, backed by US, Duarte promised some reforms and negotiations with the rebels. He did initiate talks with the FMLN that year, but they soon broke off. After the elections, the U.S. Congress voted an immediate increase in military aid.
USMC Command and Staff College: EL SALVADOR AFTER 1979--FORCES IN THE CONFLICT, by Major Charles Olan Skipper, United States Marine Corps, April 1, 1984.
1983

Ambassador: Deane R. Hinton  / Thomas R. Pickering
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Curtis Benge, Shane Pitzer, Steve Jon Rennie, Norman H. Wilcox
Military Coup forced removal of  García as Defense Minister, replaced by Gen. Carlos Vides Casanova
1982

Ambassador: Deane R. Hinton
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Robert Edward White / Deane R. Hinton
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Sgt. Robert G. Bledsoe,  Sgt. William H. Diaz, James F. Healy, SSgt Dana Lau, Wayne Mastriano, Rodney S. Richards, David Rodriguez,  
6 FDR leaders lost in kidnap-assassination plot, the Guillermo Ungo (FDR), sets up a government-in-exile.
Becausse of success of the FMLN to El Salvador. Later, Pres. Ronald Reagan offensive / U.S. president Jimmy Carter sends $5 million military aid packageincreases aid to $30 million for 1981.
Atlacatl army battalion (US Trained) massacres 794 men, women, and children in El Mozote. (The New Yorker Article: The Truth of El Mazote)
1980

Ambassador: Frank James Devine  / Robert Edward White
RSO: Chris Disney
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Frank James Devine
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
Combat Action Ribbon  1979 - 1980

 Following a series of successful strikes that seemed to foreshadow victory for popular forces, Gen. Romero was overthrown by the “COLONELS' COUP.” replaced by a military-civilian junta   Román Mayorga Quiroz , Guillermo UngoCol. 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

Ambassador: Frank James Devine
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

Ambassador:  Ignacio E. Lozano, Jr.  /  Frank James Devine
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 electionsgoverment security forces( ORDEN - "death squads" ) terrorize opponents,
Gen. Carlos Humberto Romero becames president
.
Police and ORDEN soldiers opened fire on protest rally, killing 100.
Inncreased support for leftist movements such as wthe Front for United Popular Action (FAPU).
1976

Ambassador: James Fromhart Campbell  / Ignacio E. Lozano, Jr.
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

Ambassador: James Fromhart Campbell
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.
1974

Ambassador: James Fromhart Campbell
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1973

Ambassador: Henry E. Catto, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1972

Ambassador: Henry E. Catto, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
Recession /  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.
1971

Ambassador: William G. Bowdler / Henry E. Catto, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1970

Ambassador: William G. Bowdler
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Phillip E. Whitley, 

1969

Ambassador: William G. Bowdler
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Phillip E. Whitley, 
economic crisis, Honduras expells 80,000 Salvadoran refugees El Salvador attacks Honduras, 4 day war known as the soccer war because it occurred after soccer matches between the two countries. El Salvador  invaded and bombed the Honduran capital (July 14). (3,000 deaths).
1968

Ambassador: Raul H. Castro /  William G. Bowdler
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Raul H. Castro
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt. Richard Devon
Watchstanders:  Sgt. Stephen D.T. Lyon, Cpl Newton, Sgt. Parker
 Lt. Col. Julio Adalberto Rivera succeeded in 1967 by Col. Fidel Sánchez Hernández. Relations with Honduras deteriorated in the late 1960s. There was a Honduran border clash in 1967.
1966

Ambassador: Raul H. Castro
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Raul H. Castro
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt. Ken Pehringer
Watchstanders:  Cpl. Ed Decker, Cpl. Jimmy Holder, LCpl. Stephen D.T. Lyon, Sgt. Robert Rady, Cpl. Richard Seaver,

1964

Ambassador: Murat W. Williams / Raul H. Castro
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt. Ken Pehringer
Watchstanders:Stephen Joseph Meyers,  
JOSÉ NAPOLEÓN DUARTE (1925–90), wins  mayoral election in San Salvador.Rreformist politician tolerated by the military.
1963

Ambassador: Murat W. Williams
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Stephen Joseph Meyers,

1962

Ambassador: Murat W. Williams
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Stephen Joseph Meyers,
The constituent assembly approves  constitution to replace the 1950 document.
Eusebia Rodolfo Cordón inaugurated as provisional president.

Opposition parties boycot  election, Lt. Col. Julio Adalberto Rivera inaugurated for a five-year term.
1961

Ambassador: Murat W. Williams
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Thorsten Valentine Kalijarvi
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders:  Sgt. Bill Hart, Robert L. Hastey

1959

Ambassador: Thorsten Valentine Kalijarvi
Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Thorsten Valentine Kalijarvi
Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
Company Commander: 
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

Ambassador: Thomas Clifton Mann / Thorsten Valentine Kalijarvi
Region Commanding Officer: Major James Flores (Peru)
Company Commander: 
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,

1956

Ambassador: Thomas Clifton Mann
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
Gen. José María Lemus becomes president.
1955

Ambassador :Robert C. Hill / Thomas Clifton Mann
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
MSgt Michael J.J.  Kennedy, 
Watchstanders:Tony Borgese, Bill  Boyle, Roger Ellis, Fred Goodell, Johnny  Hopkins, Rodney Rodgers, Mike Spano, Baily Taylor, 

1954

Ambassador: Michael James McDermott / Robert C. Hill
Company Commander: 
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 foreigers.  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

Ambassador:  Angier Biddle Duke / Michael James McDermott
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 .
1952

Ambassador:  George P. Shaw / Angier Biddle Duke
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1951

Ambassador: George P. Shaw
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1950

Ambassador: George P. Shaw
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
In the first free elections since 1931, Maj. Oscar Osorio was elected president. Osorio introduced a constitution that allowed urban unions but banned rural organizing.
1949

Ambassador: George P. Shaw
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1948
Ambassador: Albert F. Nufer
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
Albert F. Nufer presented credentials in 1947.


El Salvador Presidents

Leaders of El Salvador
1948-1948 Revolutionary Govt. Council
1950-1956 Lt.-Col. Oscar Osorio
1956-1960 Col. José María Lemus
1960-1961 (Junta)
1961-1962 (Civic Military Directory)
1962-1962 Eusebio Rodolfo Cordón Cea
1962-1967 Col. Julio Adalberto Rivera Carballo
1967-1972 Fidel Sánchez Hernández
1972-1977 Arturo Armando Molina
1977-1979 Carlos Humberto Romero
1979-1982 (Junta)
1982-1984 Álvaro Alfredo Magaña Borjo
1984-1989 José Napoleón Duarte
1989-1994 Alfredo Cristiani
1994-1999 Armando Calderón Sol
1999 now Francisco Guillermo Flores Pérez

Marine Embassy Guard Association
Historical Archives Detachment Template V3.0 - 11/2008


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