Sergeant Robert Hughes served as the Dive NCO for First Force Recon Company during 1967 to 1968. Leading dive teams and maintaining the unit's scuba equipment were his primary duties. Called a "gentle giant" by Marines who served with him, Hughes was large and powerful, towering over many of his peers. The "gentle" side of his personality disappeared, however, in the face of innumerable threats as he donned his scuba gear and submerged in the water.
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On one dive mission, Hughes was tasked with locating an underwater tunnel. Searching through the murky dark, Hughes felt his way along a bank with one hand, Kabar ready in the other. He located the tunnel entrance and suddenly, an enemy diver shot out of the hole. As the combatants locked onto each other, Hughes caught a glint of light off the blade of the enemy's dagger. He reached out and grabbed the diver's wrist, while stabbing with his own Kabar. The NVA diver mirrored Hughes, latching onto the Marine's knife hand while trying to drive his own blade home. Submerged and grappling with limited visibility, Hughes fought for an advantage. He wrapped his legs around his enemy and pulled him in close. Spitting out his regulator, Hughes lunged forward and bit into the diver's throat. The diver released his grip and Hughes finished him off with the Kabar.
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Hughes became the subject of several dive mission horror stories. Company leadership at the time reported he had at least 2 confirmed kills under water. Many other Recon divers braved the waters of Vietnam as well. To arm themselves, divers kept their Kabars close. Some Marines even carried privately-purchased revolvers, preferring their lethality in close quarters submerged combat. Stories surfaced of underwater gun battles, knife fights, and other horrors awaiting Marines as they dove.
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With the help of other former Recon veterans, we have confirmed that Sgt Hughes is now deceased. He survived the war, and passed away at the age of 43 in his home town in PA in 1990.
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“There was no one I would rather have as security underwater than Sgt Hughes,” remembered one Marine who served with him. To learn more about Robert Hughes, combat diving, and the Force Recon Marines who endured it, read “First to Fight” here:
https://bzohistory.com/first-to-fight/