Meet the Men of Bravo!–Ken Pipes, The Skipper
Ken Pipes, Lt. Colonel, USMC Retired; The Skipper
“The Skipper” was 29 when he arrived at Khe Sanh at the end of August 1967, and turned 30 on October 19, 1967. Born in Bakersfield, California and raised in Tulare and Clovis, California, he attended grammar and high school at Clovis, then Junior College in Fresno, and graduated from Fresno State majoring in US History.
The Skipper at Khe Sanh
At Khe Sanh, Ken Pipes commanded H & S Company from September through November, then Bravo Company from December 1967 through April 1968. He was the Assistant Operations Officer from May until “I got back to Sharon and the boys in late Sept.1968. Dan was 18 months when I left and Tim was just 6 weeks old.”
Since retiring from the Marine Corps and Southern California Edison, Ken has spent 20-plus years as a Reserve Peace Officer Volunteer.
The Skipper is revered by the men who served with him. His courage, honor and respect for the men he led is the mark of a true leader.
Ken Pipes, The Skipper
Says the Skipper, “Last week I spoke to our Grandson, Connor’s Second Grade Class. He introduced me as follows: My Grandpa joined the Marines, got married, had two sons and got old. I guess that sums up a man’s life very succinctly. He hit it right on the money.”
Mr. Pipes:
My name is Isidor Robertson (aka Robbie). I served with you at Khe Sanh in 1968 and rotated home in 1969.
I was with H&S Co 1/26 S-3 operations. My MOS was 1441 Cartographic Draftsman.
I was responsible for the maps, gathering the activities from A,B,C and D companies and plotting them on the maps. All the patrols, ambushes, H&I missions, etc.
You were a Captain then. I remember Captains Snyder, Onslow ( the S-4, KIA), Seaman, Lt. Duffy (S-1) he was a Warrant Officer and later a 1st. Lt., Father Kelly the Chaplin, Daniels (promoted to Major), Lt. Col. Wilkinson and McEwan, Maj. Davis, M/Sgt. Gunderson and Gunny Morris.
I was a L/Cpl, black, 5’6″ with glasses and 18 yrs old.
Blackbudd and Temple Lake were two of the radio call signs that we used. Blackbudd was used longer than any other that I remember.
I just discovered the 26 Marine Association yesterday (2/25/2014). I spent a lot of time with Pfc. Richard Clark, who passed on 14 Feb 2014. He never talked about his time in Nam to his family so I began searching for 1/26’s history for his daughters.
Hopefully, you are still with us and if you remember me, I can be reached at Blackbudd6@gmail.com or 301-572-1520.
Isidor Robertson
Freddie J. Morris … You were his Captain in Vietnam 1967-68 .. please contact Freddie at 478-962-3567 or Cell 478-230-2031 … he has had 2 Strokes an a Heart Valve replaced this pass January , He mentions you a lot .. Freddie will be 87 Sept 19th 2018 this year.. Thank you for your Service and in advance … Freddie’s wife of 32 years we live in 3486 Hamlin Floyd Rd .Jeffersonville, Georgia 31044 Incase you want to want to send him a letter … Mrs. Freddie Joe Morris ( Hilda ) 07-08-18
Ken please contact me i was the c o in 1965 made sgt in 68
Tom,
I replied to you via personal email. Twice.