On Sunday March 2, 1997, FOAA members and other visitors received an in-depth peek into Ford Ord's past. Dr. Jim McNaughton, Defense Lan-guage Institute command historian, shared the details of land dealings, lawsuits, and forces of history in Fort Ord's development with about 50 attendees. The trek through the missions, Spanish land grants, and transfers of land was interesting and entertaining.

Dr. Jim McNaughton discusses the history of Fort Ord's developement.

Dr. McNaughton clearly had the attention of his audience the entire time. It was reminiscent of times in the Division Artillery Chapel, now called the University Meeting House.

The audience listens intently as
Dr. McNaughton explains the history of Fort Ord's establishment.

The lecture was well­received and resulted in a few new members joining us in our efforts. We'll keep you informed of when the next lecture is scheduled.

The mission was as clear as the early Saturday morning. The troops assembled at 0800h local in the former Pomeroy Center on Sixth Avenue. With the assistance of a veteran planner, Roger Bunting, the strategy and action plans for the Association went beyond just thoughts and desires.

The individual work groups developed concrete objectives and goals for the membership. More than 30 members of the Association dedicated their Saturday to help bring focus and plans to the efforts of the organization.

The working groups initially discussed FOAA as a whole and reached consensus in three main areas: FOAA overall organization, historical preservation, and educational opportunity. The group recommended that the organizational priorities include increasing membership, involving CSUMB students and families, establishing alliances with other organizations and, in general, marketing the Association. Historical preservation priorities should include assembling the history of Fort Ord and making it accessible. The third direction for the Association included development of a scholarship program supporting CSUMB's educational mission.

Each formal working committee then met and developed goals and action plans for the near future. Those committees are chaired by members of the FOAA Advisory Board and are the real heart of thechairpersons know or drop a note to the FOAA office. Look for reports from each of the committees in upcoming newsletters.

The Marina City Council passed Resolution #97-12 on March 18, 1997, to retain the street names in the former Fort Ord area within the city limits of Marina.

This act demonstrates the commitment to preserving the history of Fort Ord by the surrounding communities. First to pass such a resolution, Marina is leading the way for other jurisdictions which will develop the former fort for civilian use. Cited in the resolution was "Whereas, while not all of the heroes memorialized in the names are nationally famous, all have earned their place in the history of our country and the former Fort Ord by their dedication and sacrifice for us all and are equally important to our heritage." Thanks to the City Council of Marina, especially John Wilmont and William Gourley/ Chairman of the Memorialization Committee, who represented FOAA at the presentation.

Col. (Retired) Lester Johnson of Monterey, California, recently provided some recollections of pre-WWII Camp Ord. He has written some of his personal history of 30 years of service for his family. Now we can share some of those memories.

"My competitive tour of duty for a Regular Army commission under the Thomason Act began 2 December, 1939, at Vancouver Barracks,

Washington. I served as a 2nd. Lt. USAR, Third Division, 7th U.S. Infantry, 'F' Company. This was the time in our country's history when mobilization of the U.S. Army began because of the tense situation in Europe.

In January 1940, the Third Division came by ship to Camp Ord, California, for the maneuvers which involved Pacific Coast U.S. Army troops. We embarked on the Chateau Thierry Army Transport at Tacoma, Washington, and sailed to Monterey, California. Although we had practiced landing operations on American Lake in Washington, when we arrived in Monterey Bay it was decided it would not be a combat landing exercise, but rather a landing using lighter craft to transport us to shore. It was determined to be more expedient. We marched from the wharf up the Monterey-Salinas Highway to what is now York School Road and cut up to the reservation where the ground maneuvers were to begin. The 11th Calvary and the 76th Field Artillery battalion were already in position as enemy troops. Since I had been here the previous summer for two weeks of active duty, I was familiar with the terrain known as 'Parker Flats' and I was able to help our company move to positions that stymied the enemy troops and the division maneuver ended earlier by several hours.

General George Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, was present to observe these war games. Approximately 10,000 troops participated.

Following this maneuver the field training continued on the Camp Ord reservation. Troops were in pup tents during the period the cement floors were installed for the large pyramidal tents which held six to eight men. This was in East Garrison overlooking the agricultural fields of Salinas. The rains were exceptionally heavy that winter season. Latrines were built, portable showers were erected and semi-permanent buildings to be used as field kitchens and mess halls were constructed. In the clearing process to build the camp, heavy equipment pushed manzanita brush and poison oak into big piles which were then ignited, causing a great deal of smoke which created severe skin problems

for many of the troops who were exposed to these conditions. They were treated at aid stations. Fortunately, I was not affected."

­Lester B. Johnson

Colonel, USA (Retired)

Thanks, Col. Johnson for sharing your memories. All of the Association members have stories that can add to the rich history of Fort Ord and help in assembling that history for future use. Let your fellow members and those interested in the history of the region share that valuable resource. Any pictures, stories, or old films can add great texture to our growing archives.

A striking depiction of a Bayonet Artillery gun crew in action was donated to the Association by MSG. Richard Kreider, Presidio of Monterey. The original art work was done by Shari Reese in 1989. The Reeses were associated with the 7/15 th FA.

Advisory Board Secretary/Treasurer John McCutchon (right) receivesart donation from FOAA member MSG Krieder.

The lithograph will be offered for display in the Library Learning Complex on campus which formerly housed portions of the Division Artillery. This will provide the students a glimpse into campus history.

The death of PSG (Retired) James Rucker has been a significant loss to both the Association and the communities surrounding Fort Ord. As the vice chair of the FOAA Board of Advisors, Jim was instrumental in getting the Association off the ground. He will be deeply missed.

Bernice (BB) Boyd
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired)

William H. Gourley
Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Richard E. (Hank) Hendrickson
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)

James E. Moore Jr.
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Robert L. Ord III
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Miguel C. Pablo
Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Retired)

Don R. Jordan
Major, U.S. Army (Retired)

Fred H. Lawson
Major General, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired)

Fred E. Meurer
Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)

James L. Rucker
Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army (Retired)

Jack D. Stewart
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired)

John E. Wilmot
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired)