Operation Just Cause 20th Anniversary
I was in Vermont teaching ROTC during Operation Just Cause. When I went to bed on December 19th, I’d heard the news that a large number of transport aircraft had just left Fort Bragg, and I never thought they were headed to Panama. The following morning I woke my Panamanian wife to tell her we were at war. One of my cadets had a brother in the 82d and called to ask what was going on – like I’d know.
My brother-in-law was a sergeant in the Panama National Guard (which was actually the federal troops under Noriega) – he decided not to got to work that day and reported in when Noriega was finally taken in to custody. He retired from the Panama Defense Force three years ago. My nephew is a corporal in the PDF’s Traffic Police.
My mother-in-law had gone to school with Noriega and 12 years earlier, when he was a lieutenant colonel, had asked him to help get me released from the local jail (named Carcel Modelo) when I was jailed on some trumped-up kidnapping charges. He didn’t help, and I was released after two weeks with no charges brought against me.
So we go back every year, and I’ve never noticed any animosity towards Americans. Of course, it helps that they have the highest standard of living in Central America, much of it because of American tourists and the willingness we have to spend a lot of money there (they still use the dollar, but they call it a Balboa). They’re generally glad that Noriega is gone, some of them miss the Americans, but they’re doing well enough on their own.
A salute to the fallen of Just Cause from my buddies at Paratrooper.net;
ARMY
Staff Sgt. Larry Barnard 3/75th Rangers Hallstead, Pa.
Pfc. Roy D. Brown Jr. 3/75th Rangers Buena Park, Calif.
Pvt. Vance T. Coats 82nd Airborne Division Great Falls, Mont.
Spec. Jerry S. Daves 82nd Airborne. Division Hope Mills,N.C.
Sgt. Michael A. Deblois 82nd Airborne Division Dubach, La.
Pfc. Martin D. Denson 82nd Airborne Division Abilene,Texas
Pfc. William D. Gibbs 7th Infantry Division. Marina, Calif.
Spec. Phillip S. Lear 2/75th Rangers Westminster, S.C.
Spec. Alejandro Manriquelozano* 82nd Airborne Division Lauderhill, Fla.
Pfc. James W. Markwell 1/75th Rangers Cincinnati, Ohio
Cpl. Ivan M. Perez 5th Infantry Division Pawtucket, R.I.
Pfc. John M. Price 2/75th Rangers Conover, Wis.
Pfc. Scott L. Roth 89th Military Police Brigade Killeen, Texas
Pvt. Kenneth D. Scott 5th Infantry Division Princeton, W.Va.
1st Lt. John R. Hunter 160th Aviation Victor, Montana
CWO2 Wilson B. Owens 160th Aviation Myrtle Beach,S.C.
CWO2 Andrew P. Porter 7th Infantry Division Saint Clair, Mich.
Pvt. James A. Taber Jr. 82nd Airborne Division Montrose, Colo.
NAVY
Lt. jg John Connors Special Warfare Group Arlington, Maine
BM1 Chris Tilghman Special Warfare Group Kailua, Hawaii ENC
Donald McFaul Special Warfare Group Deschutes,Ore.
TM2 Issac G. Rodriguez III Special Warfare Group Missouri City,Texas
MARINE CORPS
Cpl. Garreth C. Isaak 2nd Marine Division home town unknown.
Another of our “wars of imperialism” in which we didn’t occupy or annex the country. When will we learn to get it right?
Category: Blue Skies, Military issues
God Bless them all, and their families, this day and for all time to come.
WOW, 20 years ago…..I was at Ft. Irwin just having finished getting my ass handed to me by the OPFOR for 4 weeks. I was on the advanced party loading baggage on pallets for the flight home when an Air Force LTC. gave us the news that we had no plane and were stranded indefinitely because of air traffic being re-routed for Panama. About 2 hours later he came back and told us we had a ride to Ft. Hood if we could reconfigure the loading for a C-5 in less than 2 hours. The pilots were out there helping us get the pallets reloaded for a C-5 and they were humping it hard to help us out…great guys.
God bless our fallen brothers…..
20 years. Where does the time go? I was stationed at Ft Benning part of the 197th Inf Bde. One of the soldiers on the list of the dead had been a soldier under my command. Sgt Michael Deblois. He was a SPC when I knew him. While at Benning he got into jump school and shortly after that PCS’ed to Ft Bragg. It was a real jolt when I heard that he had been killed.
I remember when it happened, not much since I was only 9 or 10 years old.
I was already out, but I did still have contacts and my old Platoon Sergeant was stationed there, at the time. We had joked that he was going to retire out of there and live the good life for his last duty station (he was a 1SG by that point in time). I’m just glad he made it, but it sucks that anyone had to lose their life over that POS.
It does seem hard to believe it’s been 20 years. A friend and I saw it on Japanese TV, while having a drink at a bar in Henoko Okinawa. We talking about how 2nd MarDiv got deployed to all the hot spots. Little did we realize at the time that 8 months later we would be in Saudia Arabia. It’s sad that that the majority of Americans don’t recognize the sacrifices of those from smaller conflicts.
I was at Ft. Clayton. Watched them close the Canal with the swing bridge. That was the most intense night of my life. I can not say if Noriega was worth the loss but, everyone I came in contact with did their duty The way you would expect an American soldier would. Shout out to the 511th MP Company.
I was a punk dependent kid living at FBNC. Went to bed that night, woke up and walked next door to my friend Jake Vines’ house. I asked him if he knew what was going on with the fight in Panama, he said yeah he did and that his old man was gone. Two days later LTG Vines was being interviewed on the street by one of the big 3 channels, the first time Pam had seen him in four or five days…
God Bless the families of those lost so long ago. Each aniversary brings a familiar pain and sense of acute loss. Hooyah.
I’ve read the names of the fallen several times. They deserve so much more. Thank you for not just reminding us of this event but of those who gave their lives. I hope their families will remember them for their valor and heroism as well as for the people they were to family and friends.
Jonn, Jonn, Jonn….I’ve never heard the story of you being jailed in Panama. I hope there aren’t any other surprises lurking out there. LOL
“Jonn, Jonn, Jonn….I’ve never heard the story of you being jailed in Panama. I hope there aren’t any other surprises lurking out there. LOL”
You’re surprised I was in jail?
No, not surprised you were in jail. Just surprised you were in jail in Panama.
So, in just how many nations and/or states have you been jailed?
Michael Deblois was a roomate of mine for a few days when he first transferred in to C. Co. 1/508th Ft. Kobbe Panama. He was a squared away troop, and it was a shock to the system to learn of his death. In war, it is a shitty fact, proven over and over that even the best troops don’t earn a pass on the battlefield. It is just a shit sandwich, and we must live on, and keep his name, and his face in our memories. Salute.
I was stationed in C.co 1/508 along with Coats and Deblois. They both were great soldiers and knew the meaning of the word duty. They were both in 2nd platoon. SFC Almeada was their platoon SGT.
I just read this in May, although I remembered Lt.JG John Patrick Connors last December 29th.
I met John when he was a student at WPI. Really smart, kept himself in very good physical condition, and just the greatest guy you would ever want to meet. I am honored that I had a chance to meet him, talk with him and have a few beers with him while he was alive.
I was in California when I heard about his death, and flew back to attend a his funeral that over 1000 others attended.
About ten years ago my town was building a memorial, and people were asked to purchase a brick for someone they knew. I purchased one for John. Every time I pass through the town square I stop and reflect on that brick, and wonder what type of husband, father and leader he would have been if he had not died.
PFC Vance Troy Coates was my brother. He lived his entire life to be a soldier. I am proud he was my brother and live every day of my life knowing he died for all of us and not in vain. I love you Troy we remember you.
vance was my friend in bootcamp. he and I were close and actually traded permant duty assignments. I felt so guilty for years…decades. he was a great buddy and I can still remember the look on his face when I accidently kicked him in the balls in the sandpits…or how he laughed when he glued my hand to a toilet plunger when I was sleeping…he was a great guy.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Coates and Deblois. I was in the room with them when the exlposion occurred and helped to give first aid to Debloise before we put SFC Alameda, SGT Steele, PFC Coates and SGT Deblois on the medic track.
I remember every event what occured like it was yesterday. By GODs will and without a clue I wasn’t even injured. I happened to be in a part of the room that somehow sheilded me from anything.
I can vividly remember Coates sitting on his back with his radio still attached to him, he was in the far right corner from where I sat. SFC Alameda was at the door and SGT Steel sitting on the floor leaning against my leg. SGT Deblois was at the end of the bed I was sitting on, closer to the door. I was the platoon FO/RTO for SGT Steele.
Through it all I still remember seeing PFC Coates lying over the bed in the room after the explosion and talking to SGT Deblois, after he was pulled from the room, up to the time we put he and Coates on the medic track to be evacuated.
Those two are my heroes as they are with me forever.
Jeff H.; D/320th FA, (Foward Observer for C-1/508 PIR)
Thank you Jeff, Troy Vance Coats was my nephew. He was a brave young man, just as you are. Thank you for your touching memorial.
God Bless You.
My husband is COL (Ret) Kirk Davis. He was the Charlie Company Commander right before the invasion – he then was assigned to the brigade. Kirk and I loved and so respected all of the soldiers in Charlie Company! I’m now teaching U.S. History to 7th graders in Burke, VA, and each year on the “Operation: Just Cause” anniversary I help my students remember the bravery of all of “our” soldiers and the ultimate sacrifices of PFC Coates and SGT Deblois. Charlie Rock!
Jeff
Your full of shit. You were not in that room and there was no Sgt Steele. Coates carried a S.A.W. not a radio. By the way, I know who you are. (the last 4 of your ssn is 0419)
Yes, there was a Sgt. Steele. He was a platoon FO for C 1/508, Jeff H. was his RTO.
Not sure of exact locations of the FO/RTO team at that time?
Steele was wounded by shrapnel.
I went to basic with Pfc. Vance T. Coates
He was an awsome person he was 17 and I was 16 the older giys really
Busted our chops for being kids in the army I would love
To share the stories with anyone who knew
Vance please contact me shawnpcochrane@yahoo.com
Mrs. Davis,
I remember then, Cpt. Davis, when I was introducing myself to him in his office. I was a newly arriving FO for his rifle company. I showed up in a cast from my right knee down to my toes. He asked me, if we go to war tomorrow will you be able to go? I said yes.
I knew I was in the right outfit from that point on!
Thank you to Col. Davis, you and your family for service to our great nation.
Note: I made the comment dated on 20110306.
Chip Steele became a Warrant Officer. Congratulations to Chip! He must be close to retirement?
Thank you for all the wonderful memories of my brother… PFC Vance Troy Coats and the others that died. Glad to hear his memomory still lives on… I would love to talk with anyone that remembers him. I can be found on Facebook at chris@intuitivevoice.com
trot was a great guy. i went to boot and ait w/ him and felt his loss greatly. he was my friend and american hero. anyone who knew him please contact me paulmcbride1971@yahoo.com
Vance was a great guy with a good sense of humor. He worked hard and pulled his weight. He was my squad leader in basic and i was upset when I heard he was killed. An excellent soldier that was taken from us too soon. He wrote in my book – ” it’s been real-have fun in the Rangers maybe someday we will meet again – until then, farewell – friend – Coats.” One day my friend, one day…
Thank you for never forgetting…..
Jerry Scott Daves KIA 1989 Panama
1 st/ 504 82nd
Around 10pm on Dec. 20th, I was shift supervisor at the Catawba County Sheriff’s Dept. when an Army chaplain and Army Lieutenant requested my help in finding Jerry Daves mother and grandparents. When we went to the grandparents home, I was shocked to learn that Jerry was a member of my old unit. 1st Bn 504th Inf, 82nd Airborne Division. I attended his funeral in Fayetteville and burial at the veterans cemetery at Ft. Bragg. That was almost 25 years ago and I still think of that family.
Hi Mishele
My husband “Big Will” remembers him. Jerry was his squad leader. Our prayers are continuously for all the families.
1st/504 82nd
My family brought out some old photo’s, and I lost a friend the first night of the invasion. Andrew Porter; he flew my mission that first night. I have missed him, and I hope his his family is doing well and that they have always known what a brave man he was. He loved all of them unconditionally.
F.O from 89-91.
There was in fact a Sgt. Steele. He was an F.O NCO along with SGT Craig Greer (now the country music star Craig Morgan) and Eddie Paredez (mortars), Timothy Uderitz (mortars) Ungarino (mortars) and Fast Eddie the E-6 Forward Observer. I don’t remember the name.
You this is me adjust fire over! You this is me adjust fire out! Wooo hooo….good times.
Eddie Paredez was a FUNNY mo fo…as was Tafoya who came along later. Sgt Krueger was the most sarcastic dude in the world but was smart and made life more fun. Paradez used to sit in his underwear on his bunk and do disgusting crap to everybody. I laugh when I think about him. I remember loading up our rucksacks in the hallway before jumps and lifting each others packs to see who’s was the heaviest.
I remember Guy had that motorcycle and Christopher Cruiser used it and crashed it. Cruiser had that pickup truck that switched from hand to hand. That thing was a massive piece o’ crap but we loved it.
I will never forget the jump when Timothy Uderitz died. We did racetracks for what seemed like forever after we saw there was a towed jumper, then we landed and were told the news that Tim died.
I remember when we were on alert of PML Bravo or whatever it was called that Steele, Ungarino, Paredez, Greer, Guy, Christopher Cruiser and Zimmel would get hammered on cheap beer in the stairwell of the barracks.
Eddie Paradez…You’re a cool dude man!
Deblois Coates Drop Zone! I wonder what ever happened to the Uderitz jump tower behind Bn headquarters?
Still around and still sarcastic. Tim’s death was a real shame. Still want to know who checked him out before that jump.
Yes, there was/is a SGT “Chip” Steele…It’s me and i was with Coates, Deblois, Alameida and Helms at the La’Commandancia. All you 13Fs that are on here…hit me up! thesteeles01@yahoo.com
Tom, I just retired NOV2013 up here in Alaska as a CW3
I was stationed in C.co 1/508 along with Coats and Deblois. I was down stair when the pipe grenade came from the ceiling. I help both of them too the evacv carrier and was badly injury.They both were great soldiers and knew them very well.I spoke at the memorial which was held by the brigade. They were both in 2nd platoon. SFC Almeada was our platoon SGT.It has been a long time and I still miss the warrior. I was a Sgt then and just got back from Ranger school a day before the invansion. Email me I would love to hear from the buddies in Charlie or 1-508 period. Thanks Ranger Gibson PS call 770.845.1968