Platoon reunion: Members — all from Washington state — share memories, bond of Vietnam War

CARLSBORG — They trained together, some fought together, and a few even graduated from high school together.

On Saturday, 14 members of the “Evergreen State Platoon — 3041” — a group of Vietnam War Marine Corps recruits made up entirely of Washington state residents — gathered near the Dungeness River to rekindle memories and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The reunion, marking 43 years since they graduated from boot camp together, was full of laughter, with a few lighthearted jokes being tossed at the expense of Roy Gallihugh, the platoon’s boot camp commander.

But the mood turned solemn when the names of the six platoon members killed in action in Vietnam were read.

“It still hurts,” said Larry Plager, who read the names, and appeared choked up at times.

“We’re all brothers. We’re all a band of brothers.”

One of those killed in action was Michael Duffy, with whom Plager graduated from high school in Spokane.

“I think of him a lot,” said Plager, 61.

Gallihugh also found the reading emotional.

“It brings tears to my eyes,” he said.

Gallihugh, who had served in the Marines for 10 years when the platoon graduated, said he had never seen a platoon made up entirely of residents from one state before.

Typically, recruits trained with others from around the country.

The all-Washington platoon was not an accident.

Gallihugh, 73, said the Marines, wary of relying on draftees, wanted to encourage recruits.

Signing up with others from your home state was seen as a way to accomplish that.

But it also made them better enlistees.

Eighty of the 85 applicants graduated, and Gallihugh attributed the high graduation rate to the quick bond they were able to form as fellow Washingtonians.

Platoon member Walt Scott, 62, agreed.

“It’s hard for 80 people to come together without some sort of commonality,” he said.

“We all tied together so much better.”

And though not all of them fought together in Vietnam, they still share a sense of brotherhood from graduating from boot camp together.

“It’s an honor to know these guys,” said Chuck Looney, 62, who called the event a celebration.

“You don’t get much closer.”

The reunion, the platoon’s fifth, was held on Looney’s property in Carlsborg and organized by platoon member Guy Iredale of Port Angeles.

Platoon member Doug Simpson, who is writing a novel based on Platoon 3041, said reunions are also a way for them to heal some of the emotional wounds from the war.

“When we came home . . . we were really looked down on,” he said.

“We all walk away feeling better.”

Iredale, 62, said he joined the Marines to challenge himself and because he thought the war was just.

While his views of the conflict changed over time, the brotherhood he shares with the other platoon members has never faded.

“It’s a strong bond,” Iredale said.

“And it’s getting stronger every year.”

________

Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on Monday at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The helping hand is Margie Logerwell. More than three dozen trees will be available for viewing during the 34th annual Festival of Trees event this weekend. Tickets are available at www.omhf.org. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Finishing touches

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on… Continue reading

Grants to help Port Angeles port upgrades

Projects, equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Joseph Molotsky holds Jet, a Harris’s hawk. Jet, 14 or 15, has been at Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue for about seven years. Jet used to hunt with a falconer and was brought to the rescue after sustaining injuries while attempting to escape an attack from a gray horned owl in Eastern Washington. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Wild bird rescue to host open house

Officials to showcase expanded educational facilities

Jaiden Dokken, Clallam County’s first poet laureate, will wrap up their term in March. Applications for the next poet laureate position, which will run from April 2025 to March 2027, are open until Dec. 9. To apply, visit NOLS.org/NextPoet. (North Olympic Library System)
Applications open for Clallam poet laureate

Two-year position will run from April 2025 to March 2027

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly Charity at Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles.
Staff and customers raised more than $593 to support the YMCA.
Pictured, from left, are Joey Belanger, the YMCA’s vice president for operations, and Ryan French, the chief financial officer at Jim’s Pharmacy.
Charity of the month

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly… Continue reading

Festival of Trees QR code.
Contest: Vote for your favorite Festival of Trees

The Peninsula Daily News is thrilled to announce its first online Festival… Continue reading

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office uses this armored vehicle, which is mine-resistant and ambush protected. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
OPNET to buy armored vehicle

Purchase to help with various situations

Lincoln High School students Azrael Harvey, left, and Tara Coville prepare dressing that will be part of 80 Thanksgiving dinners made from scratch and sold by the Salish Sea Hospitality and Ecotourism program. All meal preparation had to be finished by today, when people will pick up the grab-and-go meals they ordered for Thursday’s holiday. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Students at Wildcat Cafe prepare Thanksgiving dinners

Lincoln High School efforts create 80 meals ready to eat

D
Peninsula Home Fund celebrates 35 years

New partnership will focus on grants to nonprofits

A mud slide brought trees down onto power lines on Marine Drive just each of the intersection with Hill Street on Monday. City of Port Angeles crews responded and restored power quickly. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Downed trees

A mud slide brought trees down onto power lines on Marine Drive… Continue reading

Photographers John Gussman, left, and Becky Stinnett contributed their work to Clallam Transit System’s four wrapped buses that feature wildlife and landscapes on the Olympic Peninsula. The project was created to promote tourism and celebrate the beauty of the area. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Iconic Peninsula images wrap Clallam Transit buses

Photographers’ scenes encompass community pride

Housing identified as a top priority

Childcare infrastructure another Clallam concern