Largely a Support Airstrip
Phuoc Vinh
Click on map to enlarge…
Phuoc Vinh Firebase
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Photo by Terry A. Moon
1st Cav Photographer 1968-1969
Photo by Terry A. Moon
NW Approach
Photo courtesy of Richard Lamb, crew chief C Troop early August until late October 1968. Transferred then to HQ Troop as crew chief on the Squadron check-out LOH.
This is a Walker Jones aerial photo of Phuoc Vinh firebase provided to me by Frank McKinnon (HQ Troop 1/9th). Charlie Troop and HQ areas are top/center. Click on photo to enlarge…
Sunset over Phuoc Vinh
Photo courtesy of Peter Guthrie (1LT Blue Plt Ldr 1968-69 ‘Cavalier Blue’)
Photo courtesy of Stan Edington
AH-1G Huey Cobra ‘Snake’
Cobra on the refuel pad
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt Dave Roger
Photo courtesy of Dave Roger
Photo by Mike Thompson (crew chief) 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, 1970-71
Courtesy of Jordan Green
Control Tower
Looking down from the control tower (generator in the center)
Photo courtesy of Stan Edington
Some of our high tech communication systems in the tower
Stan Edington (air traffic controller from December 69-November 70)
Control tower in dubious weather conditions
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy of Stan Edington
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Each morning the Blues picked up ammo for their daily mission from a conex in this area.
Photo taken as we departed from Phuoc Vinh heading to Fire Support Base Buttons early one morning.
UH-1 ‘Huey’
Tom Stokesberry (Charlie Troop crew chief, 1969)
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Helicopter Maintenance Hanger
Spec 5 Dennis Junger
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green (Charlie Troop Maintenance, 1969-70)
Light Observation Helicopter ‘Loach’
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
C-130 Cargo Planes
C-123 Caribou
Photo courtesy of Mike Logson (1969)
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
CH-47 Chinook
Photo by Mike Thompson (crew chief) 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, 1970-71
Courtesy of Jordan Green
Part of the HHC 31st Eng Bn company area taken from top of the radar tower.
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells, 31st HHC
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Volleyball game in the rubber trees at Quan Loi
Photo courtesy of Chris Bushels
Captured VC flamethrower
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Radar unit on the wooden tower was used to pinpoint the origin of incoming rounds for retaliation purposes.
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
What a mortar round does to a sandbagged roof
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Howitzer near Phuoc Vinh perimeter
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
31st HHC main street
Photo courtesy Chris Bussells
Sky Crane
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
1st Lt Ralph Diaz
C company 31 Engr. Bn. 79 GP 20th Eng. Bde.
Ralph was the project engineer for the Phouc Vinh airfield up grade, ran the soil cement soil stabilization plant, and also did the asphalt cap on the runway.
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
Photo courtesy of Ken Piotter (31st Engineer Battalion HHC)
Ken was a construction surveyor on the main airfield from January to April 1969 putting down the pierced metal run way.
Photo courtesy of Ken Piotter
Late 60’s aerial photo of Phuoc Vinh
Photo taken as we departed from Phuoc Vinh heading to Fire Support Base Buttons early one morning.
Photo courtesy of Bob Powers (HHC 31st from April 69 to March 70)
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
Photo courtesy of Bob Powers
Photo courtesy of Bob Powers
Photo courtesy of Bob Powers
Photo courtesy of Jordan Green
Photo courtesy of Bob Powers
Puff the Magic Dragon was a WW2 Cargo plane (C-47) adapted with M-60 Gatling guns.
Photo courtesy of Mike Logson (1969)
Frank McKinnon (HQ Troop 1/9th) was Col Booth’s crew chief
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
Ted Hall, unknown & Frank McKinnon
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
James Herder
Photo courtesy of Frank McKinnon
Back side of maintenance hanger
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Mess hall in flames (1969)
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
New mess hall (right)
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Double Whammy
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Photo courtesy of Ralph Diaz
1st Lt, C company 31 Engr. Bn. 79 GP 20th Eng. Bde.
Enemy rocket lands on Phuoc Vinh Airfield
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Aftermath of rocket attack on Phuoc Vinh air strip
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Jim Delp (HQ Troop 1/9th, 1969)
Jim holding remnants of 122 mm rocket.
Hand signals were frequently used by the troops.
Jim Delp holding tiger brought in by the ‘Blues’
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
‘Charlie’ scores a couple direct hits on HQ hoochs.
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Photo courtesy of Jim Delp
Photo by Richard Lamb (Crew chief) C Troop early August until late October 1968. Transferred then to HQ Troop as crew chief on the Squadron check-out LOH.
Photo courtesy of Richard Lamb
‘Asian Girls gone Wild’
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
Working girl of Phuoc Vinh
Photo courtesy of Dennis Junger
Photo courtesy of Chris Bussells
Photo courtesy Craig Stedman
595th Signal Co
Photo courtesy Craig Stedman
My Vietnam Experience 
I don’t know If I said it already but …Hey good stuff…keep up the good work! 🙂 I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,)
A definite great read..Jim Bean
Thank you for the compliment…
just had the best time in a long time . Two of my friends who were in vietnam with me and company B 3/187 101. came to my home, buffalo ny from california and the other from new mexico on their motor cycles. What a great day and a half we had together. The war has brought some of us lasting friendships. I love this site, it sure brings back memories, good and bad.Live life and drive on
I found this website and it is really cool The stories are about us and also about the good duty some lucky officer’s were able to walk into. I love the story John Butt tells he was a winner, and he would have made the ultimate
sacrifice if he was in a hot combat situation. John I’m jealous as heck I think your story is a great story, we all wanted the South Vietnam folks to win, John you laid it out perfect.
http://www.20thengineerbrigadereunion.com/
Hey BROTHERS,I was with the 1engr, bn 1st Inf div,in Quan LOI 1967-68 Went through tet 68,so glad I made it home.I’m 64 years old now,but at 18 it didn’t matter much,it became a way of life.I was a heavy equiptment operator in “ALPHA CO>” We were right along the air strip next to the ammo and POL area. I remember the 114th gunships “THE GHOST RIDERS>BUNCH of good guys.Used to fly with them once in a while.I would like to say good job and welcome BROTHERS!!!!
Welcome Home Larry…
I enjoy this site, it is worth me coming back
Thanks for stopping by…
I was stationed at Phouc Vinh 66_67 the place wasn’t near that big . I was in the 6/ 27 arty 8”/175s Thanks for the pictures. C.
Yes, lots of growth in the following three years…
I was stationed at Phouc Vinh dec 3, 65 to dec 5,66.1/26 inf Big Red 1
Gary,
Thanks for stopping by and welcome home…
I was sationed their the same time you was i don”t remember the month but left fort Riley.Their was notting their when i got their,we clear the arier by day and slept on spot at night. 1-26 1 inf. Div.
Glad to see someone was there around my time in the “Red One”
Welcome Home Norbert…
Gary give me a call at 541-563-7375
GARY, WE HAVE LOCATED OVER 1,000 BLUE SPADERS THAT SERVED IN VN SEND ME AN EMAIL TO VEBS1967@GMAIL.COM
Gary I was in A Co 1966-67, send me an email to vebs1967@gmail.com regards, Jim Charland A Co 1966-67
Hay! I was in A co. 1/26th 66/67 with Sgt. Sparry as my platoon sgt. welcome home fellows send photos all of mind were destroyed by fire, Later Tom Joseph
I was with the Ist Inf.28th inf. We went there in Aug.. or Sept. 1965 as the whole Big Red One was shipped out of Ft. Riley Kansas. I was a medic, in Head Quarters company and feel lucky to have made it home. Did you know SPC 6 Dicky or Spc. Cohen, I think our Dr. was named Johnson.
Just found this site and am realy glad I did.
John Whitling
Welcome Home Jack…
I was with the 1st inf, Big Red One, we all left Ft Riley in Sept 1965 and traveled by ship to Nam. I was gunner on 81 mortar. Came home 1966 and am just now investigating. Whow! what a change
Welcome Home Ron…
Ron was there around same time A Co. 2nd platoon 1st of the 26th. Sgt. Sperry was my platoon Sgt. I hung out with Art Montez. Welcome Back!
Welcome home, Gary, I was with Big Red 1 at Phouc Vinh 8/65 to 4/66.
sot , schlemer , dow , thrash
Welcome Gary was with the Big Red myself 1/26th A Co. 2nd Plt.
I was there 10-67 to 10-68 in artillery survey with the 6/27th in hhb would like to hear if you keep in touch with anyone
I was there 11/19/67 to 12/14 / 68, grunt with the 101st abn div, CIB two Purple Hearts-Silver Star-Air Medal. I was a Sniper w/m-14.
I will never forget the area of the the rubber trees . And all the French buildings. I lost alot of good friends there. I was 19 then.
Take Care & welcome home. Tom
Hey Tim,
I was an arty surveyor with the 1/30th artillery stationed at Phouc Vinh September 69 to September 70. We were a 155 towed unit.
We would fly out by helicopter. Mostly Chinooks and the battalion loach do a sun shot. Then they would bring in the guns by flying crane and set them up from there.
We also registered the guns.
Welcome Home Darryi…
Thank you for your service, Mr. Brozovich. My father, David Cordova (SP5), served from October 1966 to October 1968, and was assigned to the 6/27th S&S battalion. He kept his deployment a secret from me until this year. He said he didn’t want my imagination of war to ruin my innocence. He passed away a few weeks ago, and I’m learning all about him from his DD214. He was such a marvelous father and apparently a great soldier. I’m so glad he made it back to raise me. He was the best.
i was there in HHB 6/27th head quarters company ,mostly laterine duty , concrete detail to build cement pads for barracks etc.. Big Red One was there at the time .. Dec 66 for 6 months then transferred to A battery at Quan Loi left VN 11/14/1967 .
C. Kindler,
Do you have any pictures when you were there that you could share? When I was there we only had the 175s. That was 1965-66. I failed to mention that this is a great sight!
My wife’s uncle was killed in the area in 1966. Through medical work, I am travelling to the area and am making a side trip to Phuoc Vinh. I am interested in any information and/or websites about the area before I go so that I can understand the area better. Any help is appreciated.
The area north of what was once the Phuoc Vinh airstrip is now a NVA base and perhaps of limits.
Have some pictures of Ist Inf. at Phuc Vihn 1965 to 1966.
Welcome home Jim, I have a few pics from 65-66
C…. I was stationed at phuoc vinh feb ’69- feb ’70, 1st/9th air cav. HQ troop. I remember when the psp ( i think that is right ) air field was constructed. Often times I wonder what the base looked like before I arrived? Who built what, and when? Would you have any photos of the period you were there, if not maybe you know someone who has? Especially aerial photos. Thank you. Frank McKinnon.
I was a 1st LT. combat engr. I was ptroject manager for the airfield up grade ran a soil cement stabilavion plant and an asphalt plant to up grade from PSP to 3000’aspahlt runway for C 130’s
Welcome Home Ralph…
Ralph, what years were you at PV? I was an air traffic controller from Dec. ’69 to Nov. ’70.
Stan
Thank you for answering, Do you remember about what date this was? If you google earth Phouc Vinh, you will see this is the only thing left. There is not ONE structure still standing. This really bothers me for some reason. Do you have any phots you can share we us? Frank McKinnon.
Did you know Tom Kremer? he was there the same time you were. He was 9th air cav too. I am trying to find some info from guys who knew him then. I am his wife, he passed away. Thankyou guys for your service and bravery and welcome home!
Glad you’re home dude. I got there in DEC 68 and they were still laying out the PCP but that was away from me. I was with HHC 227th, other side of
Phouc Vinh. We used to watch the the Incoming on the strip everyday.
Unfortunately I lost a shitload of pictures on the way home. I lost a bag at
the Seattle airport?
//C-227 AHB 7/4/69 to7/7/70
Welcome Home John…
I was with HHC, 1/28, 1st ID early in ’67. Quite a few of those “freight train” 8″ round of yours flew right over our heads towards the NW while on LP one night.
Jerry, you got there shortly after your headquarters co com officer Euripedes Rubio took over my co (co A 1st 28th inf) after my CO was KIA on Nov 8th 66 and then Rubio was KIA a little while later and was awarded the CMH….
I was there from jan 1 66 to feb 67 your right wasn t nearly that big..Helped lay the mine field at A co. 1st of the 28th….
I wonder how many of you remember Rubio winning his CMH 11/8//66 When he took over my company (A COMPANY) 1st 28th 1st Inf Div.???““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““
Gene I helped lay, that, mine field w/ A Co. I remember when the person in charge ask me to go and get some more TNT from the jeep and I walked across and thru the mine field to get it. Nearly passed out when he told me. Send me an e mail tojo8441@bellsouth.net Tom Joseph WELCOME HOME!
I was in the same place as you in 1969 B.Mills
I was a cook withs B Mills
I know its 10 yrs too late Iwas in same outfit .got there Dec 66 , six moths later transfered to Quan Loi . jet home Nov 14 , 1967
Welcome Home Marvin…
I was stationed at Phuoc Vinh 4/69-6/70. Was in Fire Direction Center (FDC) at C Battery 6/27 Arty 8″/175mm. Great pics. Thx for sharing
I was at pouch vinh 09/69 to 05/71….I was with the 1st Cav. 2/8 co. C Log chain platoon, it was our rear base camp. I left the field and was with the 11th avn. Gp also at pouch vinh. the cav. pulled out of Viet nam 04/71 and I still had one month left in country…I had many friends that were air traffic controllers at pouch vinh air field…this friendship gave me major benefits if I needed to travel in country….welcome home brothers…I feel very fortunate to make it back…peace…
I was also stationed in Phuoc Vinh, but slightly later, 4/69-6/70, and also in the 6/27 Arty, C Bttry. Was still 8″/175s mostly, but had a small period of all 175s in 1970 in my memory. I was in the FDC. Also enjoy all the pics.
I was there Nov. 68 – Dec 69. Mortars and rockets regularly. HJC 31st Engr. Bn.
I was stationed at Phuoc Vinh from January 1969 to January 1970 with the 31st Engineer Battalion HHC. I worked as a construction surveyor on the main airfield from January to April 1969 putting down the pierced metal run way. I have a good aerial photo of the airfield if you would like posted and other airfield construction photos..
Yes, by all means I would like to see your pictures…
working in the minefield when Bill Keeler was killed. Several of us were injured
Donald …I remember that incident and recall walking thru the minefield for what ever reason prior to the incident mentioned..
I would be interested in seeing construction pics as I was one of the 31st who laid the airstrip. Lots of very heavy metal. I got there in December of 68 and got the million dollar wound in March of 69.
Good pics
How did you get the million dollar wound?
Ken, have you seen the 20th engr bde reunion web site or the 31st reunion site? Also did you know about the reunion this year at Ft. Leonardwood?
Do you have any pics of us working on the airstrip? If so would like to figure a way to be able to see then.
Don
If you guys would like share some of your pics of time in Phuoc Vinh, I would be happy to put them on this site.
Rob Struck
usastruck@yahoo.com
Ken… I was also stationed at phuoc vinh 1st of the 9th during the time the air field was being built. We would get stoned and watch you guys work on those big machines that had the head light that made them look like some kind of moster out there running around. I’d sure buddy like to see those photos you are talking about. fmck48@hotmail.com
Shoot’em my way and I’ll post them on my blog…
Welcome Home Frank…
Hi Ken:
Served at the Control Tower 1969-70
Could you send me an unreduce-size set of any pix
Dave Mullins @
DMullins051@yahoo.com
1969-70, I was an USAF cargo handler with the 8th Aerial Port Sq OLAP,. We on/off loaded the Air Force transports and live hooch under the new tower, Got hit a lot after they built the tower in our back yard. One night they got our shower, two choppers next to us and peppered the old hooch.
Welcome Home Morris…
hey dave how goes it……i was at phouch vinh after getting out of the field. was with the 11th avn gp at the base camp. knew a lot of you controllers. buddah, kim, and was wonderin if you knew gary jackson and where he may be…..we were in the tower late nite and watched mortors walk down the air field….quite a sight……….welcome home brother…….jolly…..
Dave,
Also worked the Tower 09/’69 to 04/’71. Remember the old tower, PSP runway before asphalt, and the ritual lighting of the flare pot runway lights from a jeep right at dusk. Great picture of the new tower and our high tech consoles. So glad to have found this site.
Jim Barbour
hbarbour@cfl.rr.com
dave…….jolly here again……….I was with the 2/8 co. c before being sent to phouch vinh…….do you ever hear from gary Jackson or kim herfert, or bhudda…..I remember a lot of you guys…….I was with the 11th avn. group at phouch vinh….I remember one xmas day where we set up a table and had food and most anything of your pleasure…….as in thai soldiers………jolly of Montana……….69 to 71…..I had a month to go when the cav pulled out and made it over to your lz for a spell til it was time to dts…..jolly……….
I was also there Jan 69 – Jan 70 … 371st Radio Research … across from the MP motor pool … Feb 23rd was a hell of a night … estimated 50 rockets came in!
Welcome Home Tom…
Tom I was also there jan 69- jan 70 with the 11th G.S.Aviation bttn.
Welcome Home Eddie…
I remember that night.Just got back from R&R that day. In coming all around.Scary time
I was with 11th Gen Av, Hdqtrs Co from Sept, 69 till I got med-evaqued on May 23, 1970 (crushed under an overturned duece-and-a-half on the Green Line perimeter road). I was a clerk-typist in Awards and Decorations up in PhuBai with XXIV Corps, got bored, transferred to be a door gunner, ended up in PV. Flew in the right door for three months, then became the Co Sgt’s truck driver and a “Gook Hancho”, supervising local women on a permanent sandbag detail–loved it! We were called “California Hippies”, so we made a sign saying “Pot Platoon” for our hooch. Ended up with a Disability Retirement This site brings the memories, though rarely a day goes by without thoughts of Nam. I’ve forgotten so much. Killed so many brain cells trying to forget the hospital in Japan, I guess.
I’m pretty sure I witnessed your accident with the duece-and-a-half. I was on perimeter guard duty at the time…maybe about 100 yards east of where it happened. I immediately called in and reported it. Hopefully, you got some quick help. I never heard anything more about it, so always wondered.
My truck was still loaded with sandbags on that fateful ride. I didn’t want to go. I was pretty fucked up with three days left in country and my ETS. I had “Short-timers Syndrom”…bad. Duke was driving, a couple other guys were in the back with the load. I was “shotgun”. I knew he was entering a turn too fast–the truck wheels in deep ruts. I wanted to yell “Slow down!”, but I kept my mouth shut, ’cause he got upset when I told him how to drive. Next thing I know I’m pinned against the ground beneath the passenger door. I don’t know how long I was stuck under that horrible weight, unable to move. I was in shock, in and out of concienceness, afraid the truck would catch fire. Duke was thrown clear and managed to reach into the cab and shut off the ignition. I was told they had to get a crane to lift the truck off me. I remember being put on a stretcher, my right arm kept falling off the side– a (very) bumpy jeep ride to a waiting helicopter and airlift out. I blacked out for good on the chopper and woke up later with a cast from my armpits to my ankle on one side. I think I was in an evacuation hospital in Da Nang. My right arm was paralized. Tubes running in, tubes running out. I remember worrying about the other guys. “Woody, where’s Woody?” The next memory was of a chaplain, the CO and Top coming through the ward giving out Purple Hearts. Top said to the chaplain, “Don’t give one to Hatfield, he’s a fuck-up!” I’ll remember that to the day I die. Fortunately the other guys were not hurt as bad as me. I spent three weeks in a hospital in Japan with a lot of the 1st Cav men that got hit in Cambodia–horrible wounds, lots of pain and screams. Finally, my condition improved enough for the freedom flight on a C141 with all us wounded on stretchers. A short flight thanks to the drugs. Then I spent three months in traction recovering from my broken femur and pelvis and back and nerve-damaged arm and stuff at the US Navy Hospital in Long Beach, Calif. Ended up with a Disability Retirement. I am lucky to be alive. I remember living for the moment in Phouc Vinh. Never knowing for sure if there would be tomorrow. Such a long time ago, but I have relived that accident a thousand times. Strangely, one of my biggest regrets is that I never got to say goodbye to my sandbag crew. Old “No Nose” and the baby- sons who worked so hard filling those bags all day. Bags that Duke and I would throw onto the back of the truck. My heart breaks for what those poor peasant women had to go through. Hope the bunkers we built saved a few lives.
Remember anything else about the wreck? Too bad about that truck. I took real good care of it. Remember washing it in the river. I actually waxed that truck. Top sent me on many “convoys” tp Bien Hoa, Long Binh, and Saigon. Had much “short time love” at the roadside “Howard Johnsons”. Had a few girlfriends in Saigon . Remember them saying, “GI, I love you too much. You Number One. I love you too much–no can sleep, no can eat…” That’s what $5 to $20 could get you back then. Then, there was, of course, the Clap!
In spite of being kind of a fuck-up (drafted, of course) I did do my duty. Some of my best memories were smoking dope with my brothers and watching the beautiful sunsets from the roof atop our “Pot Platoon” hooch.
Also, some pretty intense moments pulling guard duty in the bunkers on the Green Line at night. Remember peering through the starlight scope, straining to see the phantom sappers, and hearing the muffled burst of parachute flares, tracking their lilting flights to the ground out in the wire.
.Welcome Home!
I was attached to the 31st for a short time at Phuoc Vinh from the 34th Engineers. Great photographs, I spent many hours repairing that airfield in 1968. Thanks for the memories.
I hope your memories were good ones…
Rick,
I was in Charlie Company 34th Engrs Mar ’68 – Mar 69. Our Company Area was on the edge of the airstrip. Were you there then?
Hello Rick,
My name is Danny Richardson/Spec 5, I was with the 557th Light Equip. Co. attached to the 31 Engineers from May 1969 to April of 1970 and I guess I got the job after you and I also spent many hours in the dark repairing that airfield. Was it made of PSP Steel plate then, I always felt like a sitting duck, working out there in the dark, welding the patches that the heavier planes tore up during the day. So many memories, for 47 years I have felt as though I was responsible for the deaths of those that died from rocket and mortar attacks on the nights I was out there welding on the runway. I didn’t want to remember or look at anything from that time, but God is gracious and has shown me that I was only doing my job. Thousands of us did the same no matter what the circumstances were and we all, as I am now, should hold our heads up with pride.
Welcome home Rick and job well done.
Welcome Home Danny…
It looks like you are a real professional. Did you study about the issue? lawl
Hey thanks, but what do you mean by did you study about the issue?
station phuoc vinh from 2/67 thru 2/68. finish up chief of section fdc 6th/27th art. been trying to find someone from the old unit. not having much luck.
Don’t give up. Just keep searching…
I was there in 10-67 to 10-68 in hhb 6/27 arty in artillery survey would like to hear from anyone in the unit.
Art I was in “C” battery 6th of the 27th Artillery 65 and 66
I also would like to hear from any one who was in Phuoc Vinh in 66/67. Thanks
I was there (Phuc Vinh) with co B 1st bn 28th inf attached to 1st inf div
in May 65 to Apr-66, before we knew we weren’t supposed to win
mortar squad, I have some pictures of our bunkers but have to find them
the camp was fresh and muddy, we did not spend much time there
the airstrip was just a dirt patch with a little steel here & there
Welcome home Norb!
I would like to see your pics of Phuoc Vinh back then if you find them.
Pretty dirty place in 1966-68 living in a tent w/the 1st of the 26th Blue spaders.
I was there 65-66, C company 2nd battalion 1st Infantry, 81 mm mortar gunner and I do have a few pics of gravel air strip. Went over on a ship, took 21 days.
Welcome Home Ronald…
Charles- Tom Joseph 66/67 Blue spaders 1st of the 26th Inf.
TOM WE HAVE LOCATED OVER 1,000 BLUE SPADERS THAT SERVED IN VN SEND ME AN EMAIL TO VEBS1967@GMAIL.COM
Tom I was in A Co 1966-67, send me an email to vebs1967@gmail.com regards, Jim Charland
Hey there! Just found a photograph of my Pappap, Alvin Jones, that states that he was in this area in Aug ’68. Specifically on the Song Be River is where the photograph was taken. He was in the 1/26 Infantry. Would have been about 48/49 in ’68, so not sure what rank he was then. Just – wondering if any of you remembered him. ❤ He passed away yesterday and saw the photo and started researching.
Joe Dirvin Lima Plt., A Co., 1/26th Inf., 1st ID Oct. 1, 1966-Oct. 1, 1967 Phouc Vinh in Tents to Tents with wood sides.
It was pretty rough back in those days.
Charles I was with the 1st of the 28th 1/66 to 1/67 A co…drop me a line..Gene
Charles, I was in A co 1st 28th 1/1/66 till 2/1/67
Remember GENE in 1966.
I was there 66-67 A Co. 1/26 with pappy sperry as plt. sgt.
David, Tom Joseph here, was stationed there at same time w/Sgt. Sperry 2nd Plt. A Co. I hung out a lot w/ Art Montez. Hope everything is well on your end and to see your still kickin, a lot of our comrades are gone. God Bless and Welcome Home.
I was stationed at Phouc Vinh from November 1968 until November 1969. I was with HHC, 8th Engineer Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division. We moved down here from Camp Evans in I Corps in late October of 1968 where I spent my first two months of a 14 month stay in Vietnam. Enjoyed the pictures.
Thank you for the comment…
Lynn … I did OJT with two 8th Eng surveyors in Jan ’69 for one month in PV. Then took the role of a construction surveyor with the 31st Eng Bn at PV.
I did some surveying with the 8th engineers. I was with HHC. Did some drafting. 1970 – 1971. Dave Pedttengill
Hi Lynn,
I was an NCO with HHC 227th Aviation and your unit was located right behind us at Phouc Vinh. We too moved down from Camp Evans where I went to “Charm School”. They were laying down PSP when I got there and then they commenced rocketing the shit out us. Happy to see you home and I’m still looking for guys in my unit after all these years. I remember taking a “stolen” Navy Jeep to the 8th Engineers and asking those guys to repaint it for my CO…Pretty funny stuff.
Ciscoboards@gmail.com
I think that mine field is where 8 were killed and 16 wounded after an Engineer clearing the mine field and stepped on a mine. A large group from the 1st of the 28 went to help him, someone stepped on another mine .
I was with 168 th combat engineers
Robert Henderson
After an initial stint as the Provost Marshal, Bien Hoa Army Base in the fall of 1970, I was transferred to PV as the MP Operations Officer for the Div Provost Marshal Office until the Div stood down the following spring 1971. Vivid memories of weekly mortar attacks (usually around 1700 hrs on Friday, targeting the airfield) until a Blue Team captured a VC husband/wife farmer team with a makeshift mortar tube a klik or so out.
The mortar attacks were even more frequent in the early 70’s and I’m sure the VC husband/wife farmer team were not acting alone…
I was in PV 69 and 70 you are right the rocket and mortar attacks were very frequent in the early 70s. i was with the 11 avn group door gunner for a while. then worked on the perimeter issuing weapons for the guards at night.
Welcome Home Charles!
I’m always looking for more photos of Phuoc Vinh. If you want to share some of yours, shoot them my way…usastruck@yahoo.com
I remeber a guy named Hedges,,,,,,,, My nickname was Moose loach platoon 11 grp… had the airfield hooch by the dog trackers
I was on the 8” Howitzer &175 Howitzer 1969 -1970 P.V. B.Mills
hey billy…….I was with the second of the eighth cav til I got outta the field….when at phouch vinh with the 11th avn. gp. I was hanging with a lot of the air traffic controllers that worked the tower for the landing air craft…..I was there from jan. 70 til april 71 when the cav left country and I had a month left on my second tour……….jolly…….in boise…..
I was with the 31st Eng started in Long Bien for 2 months, and spent my last 8 months at Phuoc Vinh. I came into a replacement camp Bien Hoa march of 1969 and left march of 1970. At phouc Vinh I was assigned to delta co not fare from the perimeter by tower kilo. I started out as a combat Eng and my last six months I ended up as the supply guy. My MOS was 76 something but you went where you were needed. We had a great outfit everyone got along. I remember some last names Tyler, Tucker, Rozelle, McLamb, Sarge from chester Pa. my nickname was working on it Mill.
There were more from the 31st Engineers that have left comments. You may know some of them…
You are correct, Delta Co was stationed in Long Binh prior to May ’69 when it was relocated to Phouc Vinh to join the rest of the battalion (HHC, A & C Companies- B company was and continued to be stationed in Song Be) You might not know that delta company was actually in the 168th Engr prior to this but transferred to the 31st eventually with the move of the 1st Cav to 3 core in Nov ’68. Delta company was a unique airmobile combat engr company with light equipment that could be airlifted to remote FSB for clearing and building operations. With the Cav’s much larger 8th engr and similar equipment, it became obsolete. We had 3/4 ton wreckers, dump trucks and an armored vehicle with a 50 in the bed. The 8th used us as a boneyard for parts. Eventually, Delta co was reequipped with land based construction equipment same as brother companies and was pivotal in assisting the 11th Armored Cav river crossing into Cambodia in 1970. I have promotion orders and unit citations under both the 168th and 31st banner. An aside, I believe the the tower designation was foxtrot in our perm responsibility, I could be wrong. Totally agree, great group of guys except for a certain “can do” capt who took over the company my last 3 months.
Mike.
I was at my first reunion for the 31Combat Eng. in Vegas 10/2013, was the name of the captain Christopher A Dovas. I was in Delta company from May 69 too March 1970. I remember that sign I ended up working under SGt Macklamb in supply my last six months. Our unit had a brand new three quarter ton truck and when myself and Mack went to Saigon for a layover.
The truck was stolen by the bad guys. Myself and Mack hitchhiked our way to Long Bien, and caught a chopper ride back to PV. Im pretty sure it was The same Captain that ordered me to type up a report of survey on Mack, and charged him 2500 for the truck. Mack was a lifer, and I felt so pissed off that Mack was treated so poorly. Mack worked for a four star in Saigon in 68, and we really went too see his old buddies. I’m pretty sure it was Cris Dovas who eventually went too Song Bea, but I’m not positive. If this was the same guy, he was not liked by many of the troops. I have a difficult time remembering names, but the next officer was a great guy.
Craig…
I was in Song Be attached to B company from late Nov 69 to late Dec 69 building under ground bunkers for MACV. Capt. Divas was there and I saw his fragged jeep a twisted mess parked in the B co. area about Dec 5 or so.
Ken Piotter Sp4 HHC S3
Welcome Home Ken…
Craig,
Dovas it was. You might refer to 2 or 3 history articles I posted on the 31st website (military.com) some years ago. I frequently traveled from PV to Song Be area, buttons, martin to check on our equipment there. I’ve got some pictures, not many, of the earth berm surrounding the airstrip and a picture of the “can do” gazebo outside the OR in PV. To say some didn’t care for the guy is way to lenient. I haven’t a clue how or why I wound up driving Dovas around in a jeep one day at buttons but I managed to jettison his ass out of the jeep when I drove into a rocket crater unseen due to dust kicked up from other vehicles. Shortly after that, he kicked my ass out of the jeep to join one of our platoons building cobra protection revetments. Never thought I could smile with a shovel in my hands in the hot sun, but I did.
Trips to Saigon? Took several, twice to drop off court marshaled troopers at LBJ, then a night in Cholon district, Hotel Tai, before returning to basecamp. Had a business card for the Tai for many years until the wife found it, I don’t have that anymore. Another time, I was riding in the back of a 3/4 ton(no canvass canopy) through Saigon, my M16 leaning against me when a kid jumps out of nowhere and grabs my rifle, ever alert, I yanked the 16 out of his hands and wack’d his forehead with the rifle butt (as trained). I can still see that punk falling backwards to the street in slow motion.
I have a request to all 31st veterans as it seems many follow this site, does anybody have a picture of the (spent) 107 rocket remains that found its way to the delta company OR in 1969. I saw it there. Origin was PV daytime mortar/rocket attack mainly our motor pool and adjacent 105/175 artillery units. Thanks
Welcome Home Mike…
sgt.. Morris: i think i was there with you until April 1970. Jerry Rozelle worked for me in the commo section, if it is the same person. We use to set on lawn chairs and read books and tan at times.
Welcome Home Larry…
Mike: I just started reading these posts. If I am correct Rozelle was in my commo section and Tucker was in supply. I have pictures of myself and Tucker and I do have a picture of that 107 MM rocket. I am holding a large piece of it. you can contact me 816 519 1233. I have not contacted anyone before so this is a first for me. Dovas was the Capt. while I was there too. I heard he got threatened and vacated the area. Not sure about that.
I had been looking for some photos of phuoc vinh to be placed on my web site. I was stationed at papa victor in 1967 with the 3/187 rakkasans B Company 101st Abn Div. Our unit did not stay long in one place because we were desiqinated to be a reactionary force in 3 corps. We took over from the big red 1 and continued to operate with a number of units during TET. Thanks for everything you have done and welcome home.
Roland,
I checked out your website and it looks great!
Feel free to grab any Phuoc Vinh photos of mine that you want.
Welcome Home…
Rob
Roland, what platoon were you with? I was with 2nd platoon, Donald Bear was our platoon sgt.
It gives me great pleasure in knowing that we as veterans have and still believe in eachother , no matter when where or how are jobs placed us in harms way we completed the mission. All I can say is AIRBORNE and DRIVE ON
Would like to hear from anyone who was in the 1/28th Co. A. Do any of you remember Robert Dale Erickson or Ronald J. Downs? Operation Cedar Falls?
Hello I was there fron 12 1965 to 12 1966 and was in Ceader Falls I was across the strip in HHC 1st division
Welcome Home Jerry…
Do you know a Larry Lake or Ray Parks?
Terry been getting some e-mails from you that I don’t believe was really from you unless you have recently been to Singapore and got mugged and asked for money help.. let me know if I read it wrong.. Gene
Gene, those are a scam.
Hey, I just hopped over to your site via StumbleUpon. Not somthing I would normally read, but I liked your thoughts none the less. Thanks for making something worth reading.
I appreciate your kind words…
I remember this place well. I arrived in country in Jan 70 and after stops at Tay Ninh and Song Be, worked on the Cavalair here until moved to Saigon office of Stars & Stripes shortly after the Cambodia incursion wrapped up.
Awesome pics!!! I am currently in Saigon and head to Di An, Phuoc Vinh, and Tay Ninh tomorrow. I’m the daughter of a Vet and am curious about where my father was stationed…. I can’t help much with the past but besides pics, is there anything I can search out for you?? I head out for my adventure in about 11-hours… Sorry for the late notice but just came across your blog.
When and with what unit did your dad serve with in Vietnam?
Make sure you take plenty of pics of Phuoc Vinh and send some my way. I would love to see what it looks like 40-years later.
Have a safe trip and report back…
My pops was with the 1st Platoon, Company B, 11th RRU, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry from Sept 1965 to Oct 1966. So it sounds like he was there a bit before you and doing a very different job… although he mentions picking up gunner slots when he got bored.
Yesterday was an adventure… 12hours almost continuous on the back of a motorcycle. I think I’ll be feeling that one for a few weeks. I got some pics of a vegetable market…. but was unsuccessful at locating the places of interest on my list…. Mostly due to a language barrier… I got to see and take pics of Di An which has been swallowed by Saigon. From there we drove out to Tay Ninh and visited this temple thingy but I was asking him to take me out closer to Cambodia…. but I got some great pics in the temple… And from there we headed back to Phuoc Vinh…. He got lost and I stopped counting after literally the 38th person he asked for directions, and there were many more people we asked afterwards…. There is a main road that cruses through the town and I just happened to be looking up and read a sign with Phuoc Vinh on it…. In particular I was looking for an orphanage that my dad helped build and the air strip…. but by the time we reached PV my toosh was on fire and we still had 100km (or something…his numbers were never correct) to go to get back into Saigon… My driver still was unsuccessful at locating any info on either destination so I pulled the plug to head back. The town itself is big. Many tall buildings and the town is surrounded by fields.
The long and the short of it, I’m disappointed in not getting to see everything on my itinerary… But it was a wicked ride through the country on the back of a motorcycle and I am happy to have gotten back in one piece 🙂 I will share the pics I did get. I head home on the 15th unless I can hook something sooner and will post some on my blog. Also, I will email you what I have and you can use what you like.
I intend to come back next year and will do better research before hand. I was here for R&R when the idea came to me. I hope this finds you well.
****** Michaela , How did you proceed to Phuoc Vinh (?) Was it due north from Phu Cuong or on Hwy 13 and right at Ben Cat up onto a savannah.
****** Reason I ask is that in Dec. 1968 I was in that area for one month – then called Chanh Lu – now Thum Thap(??) and some of the roads via Google Earth are still recognizeable.
The Hard Right turn off just before you came to a place once called Bandit Hill is still there, and I spent a lot of time in that vicinity. Also there are (was once) some old French RR tracks running basically North . Supposedly the Vietnamese are considering redoing that old Rubber Railroad up to Loc Ninh even.
To be honest am not so sure… I was holding on to the back of a motorbike attempting not to get bucked off by the potholes that the driver kept hitting at high speeds, for potholes…. We headed to Phuoc Vinh from Tay Ninh and took a lot of back roads…
After returning on Sat night I found a travel agent in Saigon that specializes in Vet return trips and has a day, day 4 on the itinerary, specifically in Phuoc Vinh region… Sun the office was closed and I arrived this morning at their opening spending an hour and a half attempting to put something together last min for today… but no such luck… If I had another day I’d be fine but I fly out in the am.
Here is the URL: http://www.vietnamtourism.com/E_pages/service/tourpro.asp?ml=11&uid=420
I hope to be back within the next 2 years or so and will be better prepared. It was more of a last min adventure really on this trip.
Thanks for the report…
***** Do you have to register to leave a comment on this board (???) Mine disapeared.
This has been quite a year so far, I have had two more grandchildern borne. one boy and one girl. Sorry about the delay in keeping in contact with you. I have made contact with an australian cav unit that passed through one of our positions during tet 68. The net is a beautiful thing it can a does bring people closer together even though seperated by miles and years. Keep in touch and drive on. Phuoc Vinh is still on my mind.
Congrats on the grandchildren addition.
Good to hear from you again…
I was in Phuoc Vinh in 70/71. My hooch was right below that airfield tower. I was with the 504th Signal Detachment. Pics of the tower and the cobras
brought back memories. Graves Registration was across from me.
Welcome home Danny…
Danny I was in phuoc Vinh 1969 in 610th Maint. Bn. I think we took care of graves registration.Not me ofcouse but my Co.
During my stay at papa victor, there was a place at the end of the runway that was used as a truck and jeep washing spot. This watering hole also attreacted young women. This place we called water hole number 10 because of all of the high cases of the clap that was contracted. Well one day a person who will not be named was haveing a time with one of the ladies in the bushes when a helicopter flew over head and hovered over the young couple. It stayed in place for a minute and then flew on. It was later found out that in the chopper was the battlion commander who in his infinite wisdom put the hole off limits. Doing this dropped the clap count down to almost nothing. The troops were upset but it made the medics happy because it cut down on working with assholes all day. Water Hole numba teen Phouc Vinh still on my mind, or should I say on my behind. Heres hopeing all had a great 4th. Drive On
Mighty wild story Roland…
Thanks for making me remember the water hole………….And the bushes.
What a hoot. also dont forget go old 33 beer.!!!!
Glad to meet you. What year were you there? Had some good and some bad times at Papa victor 67-68. 3/187 101 ABN DIV.
I THINK I HAVE A PIC OF THAT HOLE
Gehrke-is that you from HHC? I was there June 69 to June 70. Hoppy
Welcome Home Dick…
Hoppy. You weren’t a civilian contractor were you? Adler
PH Adler
I was there in 1966 I know the place at the end of the runway well. There was a small bridge there and the church was behind the watering hole where they warshed the trucks and sold beer and other things.
Just stumbled upon this sight. Hope everything is alright. I kept touch with a couple of you guys like Ron Cepek ,Gene Vanasse, and Dick (Geofge) Burns when I and they got home. Ron is the only one I’m still semi in touch with. WELCOME HOME, BROTHER.
And ‘Welcome Home’ to you Mike.
Glad you found my blog. Hopefully we will stumble upon more ‘Blues’ via the magic of the internet…
When ever my unit came back to Phouc Vinh from missions, the nva/vc would rocket us. This happend like clock work and we knew it would happen. Well after a long hard mission that kept us in the field for weeks coming back to P. V. was like coming home. So to celabrate my home coming in one piece, I decited to get plastered. so I did. During the night we got hit with a number of 122mm rockets.After all was said and done a head count was taken and I was missing in action. There had been a number of wounded and my platoon sgt could not find me. when the morning arrived I awoke from my drunkin stuper, and to my amaizement I was wedged between sand bags and the outside wall of my sleeping quarters. As I grathered my pounding head together and put myself in a sitting position on the sandbags, my platoon sgt saw me. The sgt had a look on his face on seeing of stark suprise.The sgt yelled and said hayes your alive, we thought you were dead. I asked the nco what are you talking about. He told me about the rocket attack and pointed to a large crater some fifty feet from where I slept. On seeing the hole in the ground and the bldg wall full of holes, I almost crapped on myself. Never again would I drink myself into a stuper while at papa victor. Lesson learned? you are not at home, so don`t act like it stay aleart and live. Phouc Vinh on my mind. Stay cool and drive on.
Ken, I was battalion surveyor from July 1966 until I left Nam in Dec. 1968. Did you work with George Ingramin S3? Would like to hear from you.
Yes I worked with George in S3 from Jan 1969 until April 1969 when George left the HHC 31st Eng. Bn. I believe George was from New jersey and he came over to Vietnam on the boat from Ft. Bliss.
Ken, Good to hear from you. How about Larry Mcgee and Sgt. Plachetka. They both went by boat. Larry came to the 31st about 2 weeks after I did in 1966.
I flew over on a C-141 with the advanced party.
Hello Bob Marley …
Look me up on Facebook and send me a message. We can talk more offline about HHC 31st Eng.
Ken
I was a member of HHC at Phouc Vinh in 1969-70. I was in a small field hospital, recovering from dysentary around 1 Feb 1970. The hospital was hit
by a VC mortar or rocket attack. I woke up about
5 days later at an evacuation hospital on the coast.
I never returned to HHC at Phouc Vinh and really
heard what happened that night. I spent most of the next 12 months in military hospitals, in Japan
and the U.S. If anyone can fill in some blanks for me relative to that night…thank you!
Was in Phouc Vinh Nov 67- June 68. 101st Airborne, 3/187th Charlie Co. Was there doing Tet Offensive. Lots of memories some good and some bad. Unfortunately the bad ones seem to be taken over at times. People keep telling me it’s PTSD. Haven’t had a good night’s sleep in soooo long and when I do it’s not restful. I’m sure there are others with the same problem.
Anyone remember me???
Tim: I don`t remember meeting you in the nam, but welcome home. I have been in contact with your old company commander, CPT Bond. We the 3/187 have a reunion every year in ardmore OK. Next year it will be held in the month of OCT. this is to cut down on the heat(107 degrees+) so that we as comrads in arms can enjoy eachothers company. Jim Reedy was in your company and he is a naiehbor who lives in the city of buffalo. I did not know of him until he and his wife came to the reunions. With the use of the net we will get you on board with someone that will know you. I was with company B 3/187 67-68 so our paths have crossed. B and C companys worked close together while in the nam. Chu Chi, Trang Bang, Hobo woods, iron triangle, war zone C, D Tay Ningh, 2 corps, I Corps. We as a unit did it all. Welcome Home Brother. AIRBORNE Roland Hayes SGT company B
Hey Roland,
Thanks for the response. Wasn’t sure if anyone was out there and would read it, let alone respond.
I read your story on good old P.V. and your drunken stupor. I was there than and remember “it” (or one just like it). I had been drinking again myself that night, (suprise, suprise), anyway, I remember hearing a whistling sound. I kiss the dirt and my ass at the same time and than remembered that if you hear the whistling than the mortar has passed and your okay. Well, it’s true. That was the night that our ammo dump up the road a little way got hit……KABOOOOM!!!!!!
Anyway, I had another reason to hae a beer (or 2).
I was with C company, but was attached to Headquarters, so most of my time was spent in base camp Phouc Vinh. Tended bar at the NCO club along with Sgt E-6 Troutman (he was our re-enlistment NCO). I delivered and picked up mail between base and field.
Several other jobs that I didn’t care for also.
Like having to identify and tag the bodies of my comrades when they were brought in. That’s one of the memories that I’m having problems with.
Better leav it at that for now.
Thanks again and welcome home to you!!!
Airborne All the Way!!!!
Tim (SGT)
Wow. Great site. I was with the 2nd Civil Affairs Company, 19th AA Platoon in Phuoc Vinh. We operated out of an old French Villa in a compound near the District Chief’s compound. The tower at his location made a great aiming site We were on the receiving end of 122’s and mortars on numerous occasions. I haven’t had any luck locating any of my unit buddies. Maybe your site will bring us together.
Thanks Bob and Welcome Home!
What time frame were you in Phuoc Vinh?
I was there in phouc vinh with 6/27 artillery in hhb in survey section from 10-67 to 10-68 would love to hear from anyone.
I was with C brty 6/27 in phouc vinh from 9/68 to 9/69. g00d luck to all.
Paul, thanks for stopping by and Welcome Home…
Paul Babyak,
I was in Phouc Vinh with C Battery 6th/27th 1965-66 if you have any pictures I love to see them.
Jim
Paul,
I ws in C Battery 6/27th in 1965-66 Email me kuertzj@gmail.com I would love to hear from someone from my old company.
Jim
Tim, Got in touch with your old C O from Charley company. He has you listed on his roster. James also told me to give you his email address so here it is brother. charlie63187@cox.net. I hope that you can get some helpful info. Keep in touch, and DRIVE ON AIRBORNE Roland
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I was company clerk for HHC and Co. B, 227th AHB, 8/69 to 4/70. Was originally headed for Alpha, 227 in Lai Khe to work on Hueys, but got de-railed in Phuoc Vinh when the S2 found out I could type (lie). Got to fly and loved it. Hated typing! Apologies to anyone who got screwed because of my errors. Will post some pics of the AO later.
Welcome home!
Pictures are welcome along with your name…
Thanks for the welcome home. And to you as well.
Finally have some pics posted at above blogsite. Check them out to see if they ring any bells.
I was with co b 227th 69/70 crew chief for a/c 590 Mr lenny was my pilot
Welcome Home Kevin…
Hi Kevin – The Bravo Good Deal Company. I received a few “good deals” when I was with them from 8/70 – 3/71. What was your experience like? Was the CO Major Harold Fisher during your tour? For an officer, I thought he was a good guy; of course, there were lots of great people there. I just don’t remember their names now and I was the company clerk! Hope you have been/ still are well.
I was a crew chief in B company 227th ahb in 1969-1970.
Welcome Home Jeff…
I was also in HHC 227th from 10/68 to 12/69. My first Sgt was SFC Church and the CO was Capt Waters. Do you know these guys? Do you know Nelson Scmaltz or Karl Vonderhey? I was Sgt John Moloney, while there I got a Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. I remember the ceremony but I have no memory of “why”? My ex through out all my shit so all I have is my DD214 and the medals on my wall. As the Company Clerk I am hoping you can tell me. I was also the Motor Sargent for a time during that time. Hope you can help? Glad you’re home.
John
Welcome Home John…
Funny! I was C/227 with revetments next to yours. Jun 69-Dec 70. Crew chief. When I was processing in at 11th Avn Gp, I was origionally on orders for B/227. The Co of C/227 was in the orderly room and overheard I was a 67N10 (helicopter mech). He came over, took my orders, scratched out B co and put C co, and said to me “there you go”. I worked with Randy Watkins B/227 (remember him?) for many years after.
Welcome Home Michael…
Anthony lorenzi I was in c co 227 ahb 7/1/69 to 7/4/70 I
Welcome Home Anthony…
I know you, I, worked in teck suppy
I remember you too. Really felt bad over LT Foley.
Hi Vets and friends,
My first duty station was Phuoc Vinh (Dec,1969). I was with the 1st Cav 5\7 recon. I was in and out of PV for around 3 or 4 months before going to Tay Ninh. I have been back to PV 7 or 8 times since the war and have many friends there and know it fairly well.
They use the old air strip for drying roots now, I’ve been told it’s Tapioca. Several families have a section they maintain and they live in lean-to’s.
Nice to hear there’s someone else interested….. good luck to you all. Any questions, send me an email.
Lloyd
lloyd@vietnamagain.com
Welcome home Lloyd!
Let me guess, you Googled Phuoc Vinh and my website showed up on the first page. That’s how many end up here. Amazing technology!!!
I checked out your website and was much impressed by your efforts to return to Vietnam and help the people.
I recently watched “Shakey’s Hill” on the Military Channel. Was your Company involved in the same operation as Bravo Company 5/7th during the Cambodia Incursion? Norman Lloyd did a great job with that documentary.
Yes, if you watch the movie 5\7 recon came in to help out. I had friends wounded. A few days earlier I was wounded at firebase Wood, always thought I got lucky. I joined my friends on Shakeys Hill, have photos need to learn how to post them.
Bu Dop was our staging area on May 6, 1970 prior to crossing the border into Cambodia. When I watched the “Shakey’s Hill,” I noticed that was the same date the 5/7th made their assault into Cambodia. Do you know if their staging area was also Bu Dop? In my blog entry “Cambodia Incursion,” I thought we were there with the 2/7th, and maybe it was the 5/7th instead.
The 5\7 staged at firebase Wood as far as I know, I was out of action for about 10 days including the day of the incursion
as I recall 5/7 and not to far away was 2/7 but definate same AO
Welcome Home Tom…
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. WoW 🙂
Served on 8 inch, Ammo Section. and 175 Gun for Charlie Battery 6/27th Arty inPhuoc Vinh from 9/68 to 9/69. Check out http://www.quanloi.org for more info/pictures.
I checked out your http://www.quanloi.org/ site. Looks good…
Welcome Home!
Thanks for the great pictures. I especially like the picture of the tower I worked in 69 and 70. I was in ATC at HHC. Got out in the field too often and even went into the fish hook in Cambodia with the Pathfinders. Again Thanks for the great pictures. My handle was “blue nuttin”
Welcome Home William…
William, we gotta touch base. I was in the twr and stupid enough to go with the 11th Paths too!
Dave
DMullins051@yahoo.com
I was in ATC at HHC May 69 -Feb. 70. Thanks for the pictures. Do you know if HHC has ever held a reunion? Would like to reconnect.
Larry I was also ATC 1/9 HHT in Phouc Vinh Oct 69 to Oct 70. They had me in the TOC as an RTO with S3.
I must be getting old. Just finished haveing surgery to remove scar tissue from my bladder so that I pee. I had cancer, from exposure to agent orange. Man it feels good to feel good again.
I have received a lot of emails from Holland. My site was selected to be put on a dutch site. The comments are great. I have now been in contact with military personall who have spent time in vietnam and afganistan.the net is a good conduit for more contact with other brothers in arms. Have a great holiday and drive On. Another grandson on the way
Congrats on the new grandson ……kids and grandkids are great to have.
Dealing with some “left-over” from Vietnam. Some are part of the aging process, BUT Agent Orange has help push it ahead 10 -15 years for many of us. I’m dealing with COPD;
Congrats on the new grandson ……kids and grandkids are great to have.
Dealing with some “left-over” from Vietnam. Some are part of the aging process, BUT Agent Orange has help push it ahead 10 -15 years for many of us. I’m dealing with COPD; Ischemic Heart; abdominal tumor; hadprostate surgery and am now being treated for PTSD. Oh the memories. BUT I am greatful for the life I had and looking forward to the life ahead!! Have a Merry Christmas ALL!!!!! Tim from C/3187th
Phuoc Vinh Sept 66-67 1 st Infantry div. HHC 1/26 Inf. attached 1/5 Arty. Heavy Mortar Platoon ( Destroyer Charlie 5-2 ) on the radio
I am still living in NY and have a place in Maine. Always wanted to return to PV but I understood it is now a military base and wouldn’t recognize anything. I guess I was told bad info. Nice to hear from some of my ” home boys” I think of you guys every time I hear a veh. backfire or a firecracker. Welcome home to all Merry Christmas
Welcome Home and Merry Christmas…
HHC 31st Engr. Bn. Nov. ’68-Dec. ’69. I wonder if anyone ever made a count of the rockets and mortars that landed on Phouc Vinh ? Too many as I remember. Working with a non profit organization called Dryhootch. org based out of Milwaukee and am in the process of opening up one similar here in central Wisconsin. Look them up on the web at dryhootch.org Great program for all Vets and I am sure this organization will be growing. Thank You and WELCOME HOME !
Larry,
I was with the 31st combat engineers from dec 68 to dec 69. Larry i remenber the many times we got hit at night and day. I just found this site. most of the guys say they were with the 31st engineers, I was wondering if they mean combat engineers? I was the weapons especialist for the first 3 months and then became the truck driver. Is there anybody out there with the 31st combat engineers from DEC 68 TO Dec 69? next to us was the 1st cav Infantry. Would appriciate a response..thank you….esnesto solis
Welcome Home Ernesto…
31st Engineers, 31st Combat Engineers, same unit. Yeah, I wish some one would have counted the rockets and mortars that hit that place while we were there !
I don’t remember names very well, but I was at HHC 31stEngr Bn. Nov68 to late April 69. I went to vietnam with a MOS of 11B/C,,,wound up assigned as a Company Clerk at HHC. I didn’t stay in the orderly room much. I volunteered for everything I could…especiall shotgun on convoys. Late April 69 got reassigned to HHC 20th Bde and worned at Long Binh at 90th Repl. Assigning all personnel under 20th Bde. I remember once after a night of rocket and morater attacks, someone said they counted 96. I remember one evening we were watching a movie and a round hit the movie screen. Fun times at Phouc Vinh.
Harry I got there just after you left. I was a crane operator and the company did not have any. So I stayed in PV for a week before I was told by top I was going to BuDop to be motor pool clerk. We loaded on a chopper and off to Phovc Binh. Top got off the chopper to get mail and then we headed up to BD. When I got there no one would talk to me of show me anything. For 5-6 months this went on as well as my vehicle being shot at, clothes stolen claymores turned on me, mail stolen, vehicles rigged, everything. Finally, someone told me that a new “clerk” had turned in 2 guys for smoking pot, in Phovc Binh. They sent him back to PV (company clerk) and me to BD as the motor pool “clerk’. It was hell for that time. The only one that was civil to me was a black man named Charlie Knight. He was also the motor pool parts clerk and we worked together. After I found out the platoon had been trying to kill me “accidentally” for that time I put in for a transfer to the 557th. Finally got a crane and was attached back to the 31st and sent out on my own for 3-4 months with B company. Finally met my LT one day and got all of my back pay and mail. The first few months weren’t easy.
phuoc vinh 1967 B-battery 1/5 arty #6 gun across from the old charcoal factory. Took down old fire base and rebuild it for the 101st. Miss all the guys on the gun.
I was in Phouc Vinh November 1965-66 in C Battery 6th/27th Artillery. assistant guner
Welcome Home Jim…
I have a few pictures of C Battery 6th/27th Artillery from the time that we as a company picked up and moved from the Siagon harbor our guns, trucks, jeeps, men etc. to Phouc Vinh November 1965. We set up our temporary compound right next to the air strip. Later after Christmas we cleared a large area I believe to be East and north of the airstrip. The First Calv. was across the airstrip from that temporary camp. I’d be glad to share the pictures I have with anyone. I would also like to see any pictures of C battery from close to the same time that I was there in 65 and 66.
Jim
I remember that arial view of Phuc Vinh very well. Headed to FSB Buttons also. Served with 1/30 Arty, 1st Cav. I think I still have some red dust in my ears.
Nice web site, Rob! I was with HHC 31st from April ’69 to March ’70. Rob posted five pix of the airfield — they were Ektachrome, which does not age well. The second is the entrance from the airfield to HHC 31st, with the battalion crest on top, and the 20th Brigade patch on the mat. The Cobras refueled just to the side. The third is a C-123 taking off.
Hey Bob, thanks for the photos and welcome home…
Many thanks for the great photos of Phuoc Vinh, particularly the one of the 31st Engineer Battalion with the “Demonstratus” arch next to the Black Spade landing pad. I served as CO of HHC and S-1 Officer of the Battalion from May 1970 to May 1971. Best wishes to all who served with the 31st.
Richard Schunk
Greetings Richard. I also was with the 31st, from about March ’70 to January ’71, and worked as a draftsman in HHC. I don’t remember your name, but it’s been a long time, and I was only a Spec 4. My best buddy there was a guy named Lee Luce, from Boston. I still have a ton of photos of the company area and people in the unit- maybe you are among them! I would love to contact some people I knew there, especially Lee, but I have searched the internet in vain for him for the last couple of years.
Chris
Hello Chris …
I was with the 31st HHC in S3 at PV in 1969 as a construction surveyor. I would like to get a photo or two of the EM Club inside since I spent a number of hours there.
Chris …
I have some info on digitizing Kodachrome and Ektachrome slides that do not involve the use of a scanner or sending out to a photo replication shop. A lot cheaper and relatively fast. Also careful with clearing/dusting off slides. Check me out on Facebook under my name and I can give you a detail message about my repro slide to digital method and some dos and don’ts with your valuable slides.
Ken Piotter
Thank you for subscribing to my blog, and welcome home…
I WAS A MECHANIC HHC 31ST ENG APR 69-NOV-69 ANYONE REMEMBER MIKE BLACKBURN? WE WENT TO HONGKONG ON RR TOGETHER. I HAVE SOME PICS OF P V IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEE THEM. WELCOME HOME!!!
And Welcome Home to you Marvin. Got pics, send them my way and I’ll enter them in the appropriate post…
I LOST THIS WEBSITE NOW I FOUND AGAIN GREAT PICS,NOW I MUST GET OUT MY PHOTO ALBUM!!
Marvin, Yes, I remember you and Mike Blackburn . Google 31st Engineer Reunion and try to attend this fall in Branson Mo. Not sure where Blackburn is at but I thought He was from here in Wisconsin. Where do you live ?
LAKE VILLA IL GEH0004@YAHOO.COM
I CANT PLACE YOU LARRY GOT AN OLD PIC? MARVIN GEHRKE GEH0004@YAHOO.COM WELCOME HOME!!
Marvin, Your name is on the list of those who the Battalion Association hasn’t been able to locate.
Yes. Mike is. In charleston wva. Went to see him.i also was a heavy equip. Mechanic. May 69-april 70 name is TASKER. 301-501-6455 FROM MARYLAND.
Yo Tasker. Dick (Hoppy) Hopkins here. I was there with you from June 69 to June70. Live in Australia since 1972 so have lost contact with everyone. Let Mike know if you are in contact with him. Would be good to get back in touch. Hoppy
Hoppy just found your reply,glad to here from you, I live in MD, if you ever want to chat call me 301-501-6455
Were you with the 8th Engineers?
Was also assigned to HHC 31st Eng, was a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Was there for 22 months left Nov 69. Went on R&R with Blackburn to Tiawan. Good to hear from former members.
Welcome Home Tom…
Hey tom, we met lat year in cable wi. Good to see you on here. I have tried to find Blackburn myself, mostly social media. Try the 31st Facebook page, you will like it and should know some of the members.
Hey Tom, Been following everyone’s comments. Been interesting t learn about your activities before go there. I was with A Btry, 2/20 AR. Got there on Christmas eve 1970. Spent it and Christmas day at the enlisted club before being assigned to A Bty.
Chuck Korn… I was assigned to HHC 31st Eng …. Apr 69-Apr 70. From Pittsburgh PA now living in Galax VA.
I was able to visit the town and old base a couple of weeks ago and have several pics. Who can I send them to to post (if people are interested).
Craig, email them to me and I will post them. That would be great to have some recent pics of Phuoc Vinh…
usastruck@yahoo.com
Its has been a while, just wanted to touch base. It is good to see the response you are getting from the website. Keep in touch and drive on.
Thanks for the memories. I was at Phuoc Vinh, July 68 to Jan 69, 27th Support Group.
I would like to see photos of the 31st Eng Bn EM Club at phouc vinh. I have two photos but both are poor quality.
sp4 ken piotter
HHC 31st Eng Bn
1969
Massive amounts of Falstaff served by Jim Millar ! Get a hangover thinking about those nights .
Falstaff in steel cans with rusty tops, had to carry sand paper in back pocket. Sand too b4 opening. Wow things we rember
With C 228th Avn. Bn., 1st Cav at Phouc Vinh from Mar 69 to Feb 70. In an odd way, I miss the place – will always remember the steam baths in the village.
Welcome Home Dan! They made Phuoc Vinh village off-limits to us shortly after I arrived in March of 70…
Dan
I left Phuoc Vinh March of 70. I remember the situation why they closed the village down. It was a fight that broke out with three friendly’s, and the two who ended up dead were from the South Viet’s Army. I do remember a big stink about how UN safe the town was becoming. I heard some guys would sneak in over night. I personally did not know anyone who would admit it. I can’t remember exactly what happened after that fire fight, but it put an end to the steam baths business. PS Anyone from HO at 31st at Phouch Vinh 1969 to march 70 contact me please I am hoping you might have some records about delta company I was in with.
Dan, the Steam n Creams?
yikes did we really do that stuff?
Hay Dan… where you with the CH-47s ??
Tim (cat)
We just had our 5/7 Cav reunion this past weekend in Washington, DC and we talked about the outstanding job you all did for us grunts during combat assaults and log missions.
I response to the steam house. As I recall the steam house was full of more than just steam. I wounder if mama son with no teeth was still there after I left. I know of a lot of GIs who would classify her as one of the natural wouders of the world, me included. Drive On Roland
Yup, the old steamjob and a blowbath. I never went, since I arrived in March ’70, and as others have said, the town was made off limits around that time, but I sure heard a lot about the place.
Chris
Great pics. I was there from Dec 1969- Nov. 1970 as an air traffic controller. That was the old tower BTW.
Thanks,
Stan
Welcome Home Stan…
hey stan…….i was a bud of a lot of the air traffic controllers with the 11th avn. grp………i was with the 2/8 before landing in phouch vinh….became close to a lot of the controllers in the tower…….let me throw a few names at you…..gary jackson, who i have been trying to find, kim herfert, bhudda, and a slug of others i cant recall…..my nick was jolly….was there beginning of 70 and left a month after the cav pulled out…..felt like a bastard child………..my last month was interesting…..i escaped my last month in bien wah and spent it on an lz with my air traffic control buds…….jolly
Welcome Home Buck…
Hey Joe
Yes, I remember Gary and Kim. Do you remember the pilot called Dirty Dick? How about Batman and Robin? I was good friends with Steve Shiano, Doc Clover and Ron Cutcomp. I had a reunion with Doc and Ron a couple of months ago.
Stan
I couldn’t believe it when I found this site.Scrolling thru the pics and saw the ATC tower.I worked air traffic from that tower approx. Jan 68-Nov 68.I was assigned to the 338th Airfield Service Detachment/1st Aviation Brigade.I certainly remember all the incoming.Part of my job was too call Arty with approx locations of the incoming since the flashes were easy to see from the tower at night.The vc used the old abandonded French church for reference point.The only guys I remember are Steve Duhamel,John Leineke(sp) and Jay.If you’re out there get in touch.
Welcome home Paul…
Hi Paul,
I was @ PV from Dec ’68 to Dec ’69… Tower & GCA. If I’m not mistaken, the pic of the tower is the new tower which was almost complete when I went back to the world. The old tower was a trip working in… one guy handled everything, with the aid of a couple spotters to keep track of the bee-hive… you know what I mean.
Ciao
Welcome Home Terry…
Thanks…
Gotta tell you, since discovering your blog it’s brought back so many memories and thoughts I haven’t had for many, many years.
All my best to you & all my brothers in the Cav!
Terry
I feel like I’ve been a lepper on the wrong web site for at least a year. I was a ce door gunner with C co, 227 on the other side of PV with the helicopters from Jun 69 to Dec 70. The only time I was over on your side of PV was when we came in for POL or went to the px.
—————————————–From: “My Vietnam Experience” To: Cc: Sent: Sat, 23 May 2015 14:00:02 +0000 Subject: [New comment] Phuoc Vinh Airfield
Terry Maxton commented: “Hi Paul, I was @ PV from Dec ’68 to Dec ’69… Tower & GCA. If I’m not mistaken, the pic of the tower is the new tower which was almost complete when I went back to the world. The old tower was a trip working in… one guy handled everything, with t”
I was with the 191st MI Detachment, 1st Cav from 3/69 – 3/70 in a tent under the rubber trees. I remember all the incoming with the 122mm’s exploding in the trees sending shrapnel everywhere. One night we had setup a portable generator and were watching “The Good, Bad, and The Ugly.” There was a scene where the camera pans down a main street and an artillery round whistles in and explodes. By the time that round hit in the movie everyone had stampeded to the bunker trampling chairs and bodies alike. It was pretty funny when we realized it was only only in the movie.
Ron, just saw this message. I was a member of the 191st MI Det from Aug 69 to Sep 70. I remember you and have a couple of pictures with you in them. So good to hear of another member of the 191st. Contacts have been few and far between
From Oct 1970 until after the invasion of Laos, I was a crew chief for B Battery, 2/20 ARA (Blue Max) and my ship was named Canned Heat. Back in the mid ’80s I found a calendar called Warbirds of Vietnam, and Canned Heat was on the cover. Weird coincidence.
I have pics of the place from 1970-71, and would be happy to share. There are a few on my website.
http://web.me.com/preacher/oldphotog/this_old_photographer.html
After the badly-planned Laotian invasion, I was at PV until it it was handed over to the ARVNs. By the time I left, you couldn’t find a piece of PSP anywhere, the ARVN General in charge of the place had it all torn up and sold as scrap. I was one of the last 5 US troops on the base, and was on the last truck to leave the place. I went to Bearcat then, but was excess personal and did gate security most of the time until I came home.
While with Blue Max, I was often out on FB Buttons and, if I remember right, FB Snuffy. Our ships would fly out to the FBs every morning and then stay on alert to do a 2-minute jump (Alert to takeoff in 2 mins or less. We pretty much always made it.)
Our ships also flew ‘Pink Teams’ with Loaches from 1/9 Cav. I have pics of one Loach that went down after hovering over a VC bunker. 3 KIAs. I had been promised a ride in that ship that day, but a newbee 2nd Lt. bumped me out of the seat. Good luck for me, bad luck for him.
Glad to find the site, even though I seem to be the first B 2/20th ARA guy to come along and find it.
I’ve had Agent Orange-related cancer and had surgery one year ago. Has anyone else noticed that the VA barely gives a damn about us? At least that’s how it is in Alaska.
Go First Cav!
Tim
Tim, I’m glad you found us; everyone is welcome here.
Thanks for sharing your photos and Welcome Home…
I somehow deleted my account on WordPress. Can you help me get back on?
Sincerely,
Tim j Thomas
Tim, I was also with Bravo 2/20 from April 1969 until November 1970. I spent most of my second tour at FSB Snuffy during the Cambodia invasion as radio relay and to reload the snakes when they came into Snuffy.
Tim I was in Bravo battery at the same time you were and went north for the Lam Son 719 cluster****. I’d like to share some photos if we can connect.
John Teetsel
BlueMax44@cox.net
Welcome Home John…
B Battery 2/20 here also….PV 70-71 sent up north to Phu Bai/Hue when we turned over the Cobras to the 101st and headed statewide. 67y20 but ended up holding down the fort in the orderly room.
Really enjoying the website!
Welcome Home Glenn…
Bravo 2/20 here also from about July 1969 to November 1970. When we went in to Cambodia in May 1970 I went up to FSB Snuffy to rearm the birds out in the field. I Stayed at FSB Snuffy for the rest of my second tour until November 1970, only coming back to Phouc Vihn every 3 weeks or so for a couple of days.
Welcome Home Paul…
I arrived right after Cambodia. Head many a story about it though!
Hi Tim. I flew many missions in Canned Heat and every other Bravo bird. My favorite was Pandora’s Box, tail number 15031, after we got her with the 20mm retrofit (and that wonderful air conditioner known as an ECU). I was in the front seat of one of the early 20mm experimental birds before the blast panels and other mods were added. We were checking out the system in a free fire zone. The muzzle blast went past the nose and when the first few shots were fired, the front canopy door flew open. By the time the pilot released the fire button, I couldn’t hear anything. Deaf for two days. One of the many mods was a strap to slip over the inside canopy handle to prevent that but it still happened from time to time.
I flew north for Lam Son 719 in Feb ’71 to reinforce the incredible losses the 101st had taken and I’m still amazed any of us survived that fiasco. I was shot down twice down south in Cambodia but never saw anything like the ground fire in Laos.
Sorry about the Agent Orange problem. I got hosed with three other pilots while on the ground at Quan Loi in Mar ’71. I found out that two of them had suffered horribly for decades with multiple cancers and other AO maladies until passing a couple of years ago. RIP brothers.
I’ve had multiple surgeries for throat cancer and take a fistful of medicines every day for other AO problems but I can’t complain about VA medical care. VA disability compensation on the other hand is a crime against humanity.
Be well, buddy.
John Teetsel
Blue Max 48H
John, not sure you remember me but I was in that unit as well 70-71. Came over as a 67Y20 and drafted into the orderly room as a clerk. I do remember our chicken shit 1st Sgt sleeping in a sand bagged Conix container🙈
Glenn Jones SP4/SP5.
Hi Tim, I was with Bravo 2/20:at PV from about April 69 to Nov 70. When the Cambodia invasion started they sent three of us up to FSB Snuffy where we set up a re-arming point for our gunships so they didn’t have to go back to PV.if they still had enough fuel but needed.the rocket pods reloaded and more mini gun ammo.I stayed at snuffy from a April 70 until Nov 70 when I went home. Our remarking point was at the far end of the old French landing Strip.
Glenn Jones, sorry the name doesn’t ring a bell but, like most Warrant Officers, I avoided the orderly room at all costs. I can’t tell you who the Battery commander was though I had a surprising amount of contact with the Battalion CO, LTC Topel as he was frequently “interacting” with our platoon leader. LMAO
If you remember the Bravo Btry Operations Officer, CPT Mike Dodson, he was our main contact with Authority. I didn’t know it at the time but he was a former Warrant himself which is why he knew how to relate to us. I said throughout my career that he was the finest officer I ever served with. I discovered only a few years ago that he retired as a THREE star general. Apparently his excellence was recognized by others as well.
I looking for photos of HQ troop, and the flight line, 1st of the 9th at phuoc vinh. Also, I have photos to share if anyone is interested. Frank.
IWAS WITH 5/7 COB
OUT OF PHUOC VINH 1969 TO 1970
FIRST LANDED AT BUTTONS
THANKS FOR THE PICS
PFC ED FULLAM THEY WERE GREAT TO SEE
Welcome Home Edward…
This website looks amazing and I am so happy to be a part of it. I just became a new member of the community.
_________________________________
Virginia Beach Roofing
Just finished reading these blogs. Like others, I more or less absent-mindedly googled Phuoc Vinh and then 1970 which is when I was there, and now I’m glad I did. I was at Phuoc Vinh in Base Defense attached to HHB Divarty of the 1st Cav from March ’70 to Feb ’71. I too miss that place in a strange way. There are lots of memories from that time, and I probably left something of myself there. I hope lots of others will see this website and drop a few lines. Welcome back to all you guys.
I think most of us left a part of ourselves back there.
Welcome Home Joe…
The helicopter maint. building is a great photo addition. I have a tape recorder that is full of holes by that very same rocket. Keep up the good work guys. Lets get more photos like those. Frank McKinnon.
The added photos (including the maintenance building) were by Jim Delp (HQ Troop 1/9th, 1969. I met Jim at a PTSD group picnic just recently, and I’m using many of his photos for my blog. Thanks Jim…
Thank you again for the photos of HQ troop. I have more of that area. I’ll send them to you if you like. I tried to figure out where Jim’s hooch is located by his photo, but I can not. Maybe Jim can help. Did Jim send in the photos of the mess hall? My hooch was right beside that mess hall while it burned and it never woke it while it burned. Is there anyway you can get me Jim’s e-mail address? Thanks. Frank McKinnon. HQ Troop. 1st/9th.
Hi Frank, my names Walker White SP5,Marion Wi.HHQ 1/9 CAV 2-69 to 2-70.I’m looking for date information on when the mess hall burned down.I have the same pictures as posted. I was working in the HHQ motor pool when there was an explosion very close.A claymore had accidantly went off.I don’t remember the LRP .unit there or the date this happened.
I remember the rocket hit on the officers barracks, our sleeping quarters and bunker weren’t far away. I believe C-Company 1/9 was on the other side of the LRP’s.I pulled guard duty behind the chopper hanger, green line duty on tower lema,and bunker 39. You look familiar but I can’t place you. Maybe Basic,A.I.T. or someone who looks the same. I going to dig up some of my old books. If you can help me out with any of this I appreciate it very much. Thank you. WELCOME HOME TO U AND ALL VETS PAST AND PRESENT.
Welcome Home Walker…
Rob… I need to respond to Walter, something is wrong…. I CAN’T! HELP. Frank.
Hi Walter… Walter, my computer is giving me a little trouble tonight. So, this week end I promiss you I will answer you again. In addition, I will send you some photos if you like. I have photos of the bunker, and tower. And if you have any photos you think I might like to see, please send them to fmck48@hotmail.com. I will send your photos to Rob for his review, in your name. Some I feel he will post on this blog. I will first refurr you to the Walker Jones aerial photo of the 1/9 HQ, and C troop areas in this blog. That wonderful photo sent to me by Walker Jones, clearly shows the placement of everybuilding, that was built at that time. My hooch was the next building north of the mess hall. Jim’s hooch was south east of the mess hall…. I THINK! When the mess hall burned I didn’t even wake-up. But I remember being told that LTC Booth was out there. So, he was in charge when it happened, so I believe I can get you a date on this. I was his crew chief on his UH-1H. LTC Booth also has a B model gun ship, but I didn’t crew that bird. That B model was the same bird that LTC Covington was WIA in. Many thanks to Jim because his hooch was very close, and he remembers the dates. So I’ll get up with him and he too will help you. It was very nice hearing from you. Thank you. Frank McKinmnon. Hickory, n.c.
JOHN PRESTO WAS THERE IN 66 67. CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT SOMEONE I AM LOOKING FOR. PAT DIXON.
I actually worked on the new mess hall which I think was in Sept/Oct 1969. I as a surveyor set the points for the bolts to fasten the “A” frame members in place. This structure is known as a Butler Building and is used as a quick way to build a fairly large building in a short period of time and not spend a large amount of money on the project.
Great! Thank you. I had forgotten all about that new mess hall until the photos were posted. Do you have anymore photos showing just to the right. That was my hooch. Inside or out! I pulled some KP in the burned mess hall, but I was ED when the new one was built. I guess you don’t have anymore photos of the new or the old do you? You have been a big help, thanks a lot. Frank McKinnon.
Dave here. was with 1st Cav 4Aug 69 to Aug 70.and PV was our back area. flew as a doorgunner for the 15th Medevac airambulance platoon. as with others on this blog I miss that place a little also. not sure why just do. the weather station was close to our hootch and we use to shot down the balloons. they didn’t like us very well. which I just don’t understand. think our set up was on the s.w.corner of the LZ.
later Dave.
Welcome Home Dave…
Hi Dave… If you look at all of the aerial photos at this web site of PV fire base, you may see the area you were in. Click on the archives, then click on ” read more ”. And photos can be seen. I was in the 1st/9th HQ troop next to C troop. By the way, if you have any photos I sure would like to see them. Even if they are across the post from where I was stationed. Also contact Rob at this site and post them for everyone to see. Thank you. Frank. ps… I miss the place too. But I have been told by several troopers who returned to the fire base that nothing is there that was there.
I was in Phuoc Vinh from Nov. ’70 with the 31st Engrs until we were relocated to Long Binh in, I believe, Feb ’71. Found your blog tonight and frankly was surprised that I had not run across it before. I have looked for guys that were there at the same time as me without much luck (found my best friend there and as it turns out he didn’t really want to be found. Would love to hear from anyone from my time (Fred Whitten, Garry Camp). I have pix from our side of the airstrip somewhere if I can get my hands on them again. My wife doesn’t like me to look at them. I guess I get a little spacey afterward.
Welcome Home Gary!
If you sort through the comments on this post, you may find others that served with the 31st Engrs in Phuoc Vinh…
Hey Gary. I was also in the 31st (HHC) from around March ’70 to January ’71, and also have lots of photos, mostly on Kodachrome slides. Did you by any chance know Lee Luce?
Chris
Fred Whitten (Louisiana) and Gary Camp (Missouri) were from the Personnel unit, right? I remember those guys. I also worked in Personnel – Mar 1970 to Jan 1971. I’m having a little trouble placing you, but by the time you arrived I’m sure I was focused on going home.
Grant-
It’s Gary Camp! I’ve been looking for you. Hope to hear from you soon!
Welcome Home Gary…
Hope you Gary’s know about the 31st Engr Bn. Reunion @ Colo.Springs this October. Google it for details .
Gary- It’s Gary Camp! I’ve been looking for you. Would love to hear from you. I’m still living in Missouri. Hope you’re doing well!
Been doing periodic searches for you and Fred Whitten for years. Never had any luck. So happy to hear from you I can’t tell you. Email me so we can exchange info and get in touch. Iceman31@msn.com
gary butler its gary camp I just found this site it april 12 2017 email me I would love to here from you I have stayed in touch with fred whitten he lives in Monroe louisana I remember you well
Hi Gary… I Just went to my first ever 1st/9th cav mini reunion with C troop at Phuoc Vinh. And I am glad I did. I ran across the http://www.bullwhipsquadron on the net. It turns out that is was my unit. Check them out even if they are not your unit. You’ll be glad you did. Some troopers have moved on Gary, and I know that was not a good experience for you. But you keep trying to locate your buddies. Again, you’ll be glad you did. They are out there, and some of them can’t wait to hear from you, trust me. And as for your photos, old buddy, if I may call you this…. I’D LOVE TO SEE THEM IF YOU DO NOT MIND. Sincerely, Frank McKinnon. fmck48@hotmail.com
Was very good to read your post and I thank you for it. If Mama will let me know where my pix are, I would be honored if you want to see them. As soon as I get my hands on them I’ll make that happen. Thanx again.
Gary
Was in phouc vinh with the 27th Maint det, 1st Cav 1/69-11/69, then 27th maint in bien Hoa 11/69-3/70. I know a great story about the steam baths.
Anybody remember Sandy?
Welcome Home Allan…
Andy, do you mean “Sandy Six Toes” the boom boom girl with 6 toes on each foot? Yes I remember her well.
Well thank you very much Gary. That is very kind of you my friend. I look forward to hearing from you when ever you can. My X has some of my Vietnam photos. And I’m thinking they are now BROWN in color, ha, ha, lol! And will never ever been seen again, ESPECIALLY BY ME, Frank.
I really liked the article, and the very cool blog
Really a nice website! Just entered it today and will going to look for updates.
Chris…. I sure would like to see your photos of phuoc vinh, and the fire base there, as would thousands of troopers. Maybe you would have time to get up with Rob. He posted my photos for me on this site. Or maybe you could do it youself. This is a great blog, and is getting better because of guys like you. Frank.
Frank;
See my reply to Rob. I would be glad to share anything I have on our days in RVN. I’ve been telling my wife for years that I need to find a way to get these photos out- someone must be interested! I believe I finally found that path. This stuff is personally interesting to us as participants, but it’s also history, and it would be a shame if it’s all thrown out when I leave this world. If anyone knows of an RVN photo archive that would be interested in the original Kodachromes, I would love to know about it.
All the best to you and yours;
Chris
Chris, if you have photos of Phuoc Vinh and would like to share, email them to me and I’ll look them over. I can’t promise they will get posted, but if I like them, they will…
Rob
usastruck@yahoo.com
Rob; Most of my best photos are on Kodachrome slides- after I posted yesterday I pulled them out and spent the rest of the afternoon looking at them- what a trip down memory lane! Last night I ordered a slide scanner so that I can convert them to digital and send them to you. As soon as I get the scanner I’ll send you a sampling- there are 15 boxes, some are 36 exposure but most are 24. Now I understand why Paul Simon wrote that song “Kodachrome”. These things are still gorgeous after more than 40 years in storage, and I hope the scans will do them justice. I do have some B&W scans of prints of a Bailey bridge project the 31st did that I will send you today- I don’t remember where the project was, up north of PV somewhere. Most of my photos were taken around the 31st HHC area, with a few from Quan Loi taken when we moved there temporarily during the Cambodia incursion.
It was great to find this site- as others have said, I looked around before, but found nothing. I think some of us are just now coming to terms with our time in RVN, and I hope more of us will be coming out of the woodwork.
Chris
P.S. I noticed that your reply was sent at 4:55 AM- glad to see that I’m not the only old guy who wakes up early!
Chris… This is great news. Yes, I saw your response to Rob. Thank you for letting me know. I’m sure Rob will make the best of what you have, but this will to be up to him. I’m hoping you will get a high resolution scanner, with a TMA adpter ( transparent materials adpter ), and with at least 4000 DRI. If you need some help buying this let me know, all I ask is that you share these photos with everyone. Sincerely, Frank.
Frank;
Here’s the scanner I bought:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/758586-REG/Wolverine_F2D300_7_3_Megapixel_35mm_Negatives.html
It’s a specialized slide/negative scanner, but not the most expensive. If it doesn’t do a good enough job, I’ll have it done professionally- at least I can sort through the around 500 Kodachrome slides (with a smattering of Ektachrome, which have faded considerably when compared to the K’s), and decide which ones are worth showing. I took a lot of photographs, both B&W & color, and the B&W negatives (shot mostly with PlusX) will produce some great 8×10 prints. Many of my shots are portraits of my pals and coworkers- the faces haunt me still. I sent those B&W Bailey bridge shots to Rob this morning- maybe he will share them with you.
Regards
Chris
Chris… Lets hope that scanner will do well. Jim told me that Rob is very busy now. Maybe you could send those photos to me as well if you do not mind? I’d like that very much. I get to see troopers that I haven’t ever seen before, and I can see other parts of the post I haven’t ever seen. Close-ups, and distance photos all have their place with me. Anyway, good luck with all of this, and I’d like to say thanks again. Sincerely, Frank. ps… if you’re not satisfied with the scanner let me know.
Frank;
I’d be happy to share those Bailey bridge photos with you- all I need is an email address to send them to. The scanner is out for delivery today, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Chris
Hey Ken;
I don’t have any photos of the inside of the EM club, but I may have some of the streetfront side. These photos are mostly color slides, and I am going to scan them to digital. If I run across any that show the EM club, I’ll let you know.
Stay well
Chris
Chris… I’m not very good at understanding exactly how blogs work. I thought I sent you that e-mail address, but after looking I could find it either so I guess I did not. Sorry! But here it is… Thank you very much. I always injoy looking at troopers photos. It helps us all to remember back in the day. Sometimes I just can’t believe it has been as long ago as it really has. Frank.
Frank;
Still not seeing the email address. Shoot me an email at cwb48@verizon.net and then I’ll definitely have it.
Chris
Dear Sir: 2nd Sept. 2011
I have a book in draft at this time. In it I discuss tigers in RVN as well as the magnificent job done by 1/9th Cavalry, (of which incidentally my dad Paul M Fisher now deceased but then a a Major, was once XO of). I would like to have your permission to include the pictures of your tiger in that book if possible.
Wm. P. (Bill) Fisher
524 Spring Street
Rogers AR. 72756
formerly Plt Ldr 2nd Platoon 2/17th Cavalry 101st Abn.
1967-1968
I was in phouc vinh 67-68-I was looking for pictures of our radio tower for the 595th signal company and looking for an e5 from The BRO him and i went up on the tower to call in incoming mortar attacks
I was up that tower in 66 with a compass and a PRC25 doing same. LaiKe got hit that night and there perimeter opened up. Monsoon rain came, you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. I called the rest of my sit reps in from the base of the tower wrapped in a poncho. I was with 1/26 infantry ,heavy mortars, attached to A battery 1/5 arty Big Red One. Wish I had a waterproof camera with me that night. Very slippery climbing down that son of a bitch. What a trip.
Tony;
I have some photos that have the tower in them, if you’re talking about the tall metal one. They are on slides, and I’m in the process of scanning them to digital. When I come across one with the tower I’ll try to let you know.
Chris
Dear Sir, 2nd Sept. 2011
My name is Jim Delp, Yes you have permission to use my pictures of the tiger in your book. Also would you say that I took the pictures at Phuoc Vinh in 1969.
But also I would like a copy of your book for my book case. I’ll pay for it,
Thank you
Jim Delp
97701 Michelle Drive
Kennewick, Washington 99338
I remember well when that tiger was brought in, what a beautiful animal.
I was in PV from april 1969 through april 1970 I was with 11 g.s. aviation company. I was in charge of the perimeter green line issuing weapons. I would like a copy of your book also would gladly pay.
RET: SFC Charles W. Hedges 7588 Walnut rd. Gloucester Va. 23061
Yeap…. YOU CAME THROUGH as you said you would. I can’t believe they are as clear as they are. I’m looking forward to seeing more when you get time. Hay, thank you Chris. I love the aerials, because they are all better than I thought they would be. Time for bed…..
Dave here from 15th med. looked for some pictures of PV but can’t seem to find any. just as well cuz I miss them guys something terrible. they have a reunion every year but can’t make em all.
you all have a good time. or as best as you can.
Hi Dave…. Well Dave…. you came to the right place buddy. The number one blog.. If you’ll send me your e-mail address I’ll see to it you have many photos of Phuoc Vinh fire base as well as the town. Many photos are in this blog already. Sincerely, Frank McKinnon, 1st of the 9th air cav HQ troop. feb 1969- feb 1970.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
I was with B/227AHB from June 1969 to May 1970. What a flashback! I wish I still had some photos to send for you to post, but everything was lost years ago. Thank you for the step back in time…
Welcome Home RadioMan…
I am still kicking but not as high. loseing friends and comrads from RVN through illness or mishaps. I just love the comments on this site, it takes me back to when I was there, doeing guard duty in both the bunker and that exposed position and rpg magnet the guard towers. While pulling tower guard, I received the fright of my life when I heard my first Fxxk lizard. I thought charlie was comming through the wire. The fellows sure got a laugh at me as I tried to hide the fact I almost shitted on myself. Oh the memories. To all welcome home
Great read for those who served at Phouc Vinh.
Charles E. Nobles; I was a sqd ldr in 2nd Plt A Co 31st Engr Bn in 1970. I have Pics of the maint hanger project where we disassembled it after a storm damaged it. Also have Pics of the Chopper refueling area we build 3 large storage tanks, pump stations and filter system plus about a mile of 4 inch gal. pipe we put together and placed concrete pads , taxi way with peniprime to keep down the dust. Left Phuc Vinh for Loc Ninh when the Camboidan operation begain to support that operation. Would love to make contact with anyone that served with me. I had a very good squad, great guys that would do anything I ask the to do, we were a good team!!!! My email address is noblestwins2@aol.com
Hi Charles… It’s nice to hear from you, especially someone that was stationed at Phuoc Vinh fire base. I was in HQ troop 1st/9th cav.. It just so happens that all of us together are listing our photos of Phuoc Vinh. I guess you have already noticed. I sure would love to see your photos. I will list these photos in your name to Rob for his review. Then he may list several in this blog. Also Charles, you can see several of my photos here. My e-mail is Thanks Charles. Frank.
Hopefully others from the 31st Engr Bn will find you here. Welcome Home…
Grant,
Good to hear from someone that was at least partially from my era in Phuoc Vinh. You’re right, Fred was from Monroe, LA and Garry was from Springfield, MO. Your name seems to ring a bell, but I really can’t place you. Then again, I don’t have the memory anymore to remember but very few. I was the only one in the outfit that had a army projectionist license. I showed the movies every night.
Gary, Did you show movies in the company area of HHC, 31st Engrs? We had covered bleachers.
Bill & Gary;
If you look at the photo above “Part of the HHC 31st Eng Bn company area…”, you can see the 31st outdoor theater on the far left. I remember watching a movie one night when mortar rounds started coming into the company area- don’t remember what the movie was, however.
Chris and Gary, I looked at the “Part of the HHC 31st Eng Bn company area photo” and studied it. Then wow! You can see the large screen! I remember it was large, but it is was larger than I remember. I wonder if Gary was the projector operator then? I talked with the operator after the raid and he was kicking himself for going back to turn off the projector during the raid! I remember the movie and raid well. I was at the bottom of the bleachers, left end. The movie was about the first special forces operation in Europe during WWII. They wore red berets. During a cliff scaling scene with much artillery and shooting, we started hearing the same in our company area. It was like the scene came out of the screen! I took the low crawl position and was quickly covered with a large pile of GI’s doing the same thing. I was under a large football style pileup, and clearly remember I felt safe there. LOL. It is possible Chris was one of the GI’s on top of me. That did not last long because as each mortar fell, we could time when to move before the next one would fall and find better cover. That is what I did, after I could move again when the GI pile was gone. I jumped over a revetment, next to an adjacent hootch, and heard an ear piercing detonation on the other side of the revetment. Next morning I found the tail fins of the mortar in the earth next to where the GI pile was, in front of the bleachers.
Bill,
Yea, I was the one that showed the movies every night. Believe it or not, I had forgotten about the mortar attack you mentioned. I shut out a lot of those things I guess. Now that you mention it, I do remember doing a 180 back to the projector. It wasn’t just to shut it off, but I had it in my mind I needed to save it. I remember how stupid I felt afterward, risking my ass for a movie projector.
Gary, Incredible! This makes two for me, GI’s that I remember on this site. I just started working on this giant puzzle with Chris one week ago. Are you sure you started in PV in Nov? That is when I left VN. The mortar raid was a few months before Nov.
I’m sorry to say you must be back to one GI. I got there the 2nd week of Nov. and as I remember it I had been there just a couple of weeks (making it the end of Nov.) when we took two mortar rounds close to the theater. One landed about 20-30 meters behind the screen and the other about 40-50 meters to the right of the screen (it took out a 3/4 ton). I found some notes documenting this but for some reason did not write anything but November at the top.
Sure did. Every nite I was not in the field.
hey gary butler I do not email very well give me a call a 417 862 7587 it is april 30 2017
Charles;
I remember the storm that damaged the maintenance hanger. I was actually in our HHC supply hootch at the time- the entire roof from the hanger hinged on the back wall and lifted up in the wind, crashing down on top of the hootch I was in! It was the most frightening thing that happened to me in RVN, and I still don’t care for strong winds. I was a “Combat draftsman” in headquarters company (S-3), so I probably didn’t know you. I was there from March ’70 to January ’71.
Charles and Chris… I remember only one hooch behind the maintenance hanger, and that was my hooch until May of 1970. I was moved into the crewchief hooch after May of ’70 when I started crewing LTC Booth’s H model. I sure would like to have any photos you guys could send me. Check out the Walker Jones aerial photo and you can see. My e-mail address is fmck48@hotmail.com Thanks Frank.
Chris, sorry Mr Luce has not shown up yet. I did not know his first name was Lee. I found this site because I simply wondered about PV and, now days, the internet lets one think of anything and 400,000 bits of info are at
your finger tips. Luce may do the same thing.
Quite a surprise to see your photo here! What have you been doin for 42 years? From PV I spent a year at Leonard Wood where I met our platoon Sgt. (forgot his name) and Lt McGowan. I have photos of the roof flip, and you working with your camera in our hootch. Do you have a photo of your rocket casing with the CCCP on it? Did you bring it home as a souvenir? Take care.
Bill; The only souvenirs I brought home were the photos and the cameras. Sorry, but I don’t seem to remember you, but you obviously remember Lee and I. Most of us were not on a first name basis, in spite of the fact that we were together 24/7. Lee is probably the only person that I called by his first name! His full name was Leon P. Luce,- he went home on leave when his Mother died and he never returned. I was actually a bit upset that my best bud had left me there alone.
I do have that 122mm rocket casing photo somewhere- I’ll look around for it. If you were around a lot, I probably have a photo of you too- I took a lot of portrait shots, some of which I sent to Bob Struck, the owner of this site, but he has not posted any of them yet. If you would like to see them, shoot me an email address and I’ll send them along.
I left RVN on Jan. 19, ’71, which was my discharge date. Since then I have raised a family and worked a civil and architectural designer, and tried to forget most of 1970.
Good to hear from you anyway.
Chris, if you do not guess who I am soon I will have to scan some photos and send them to you. My bed was directly across from yours. I took pictures of one of Sandy’s litters in formation, sort of. I remembered our Platoon Sgt was Burton. 3 other guys in our hootch were Hurley, a red haired guy, and the taller clerk who wore glasses, too. Do you remember their names? I used to remember everyone. I just remember Lt Hanley! They are coming back. The mail room took the mortar hit in the roof. I am glad you got a photo of it because your photo verifies I did not make up the story. Joanne and I raised one son, he served in the Army too. He spent 7 months in Bosnia, and went inactive 2 weeks prior to the trade towers going down. I am still a civil engineer, public works for a few agencies, and retired for now. I have a very hard time understanding why anyone would want to visit PV, or VN for that matter. I remember going back to PV after R&R. I know how tough that flight was, and I know it must have been for you too without Luce.
Chris, Sorry, I misread your description about Luce going home. You were not with him on R&R, dumb assumption on my part. Did you take R&R? Were you married then?
Bill;
I remember Hurley well- he was like the class clown. I also remember the tall clerk with glasses, but not his name. I have photos of him and Hurley, as well as many others in the company. I also remember the litters- I have a photo of one of them somewhere. And yes, that is the mail room roof in that photo.
I was married when I was there- right before to be exact. We’re still together, and we also had one son, who has given us three wonderful grandchildren.
I never took an R&R. We were trying to save money for the future, hoping that there would be one. Anyway, I was only there for 10 months, since I only had 10 months left when they sent me. That “short” tour also enabled them to deny me an early out to be home for Christmas- they made me stay until Jan. 19, my discharge date. I’m not complaining though- at least I came home relatively intact.
Sorry Bill, but I still don’t recall you. My excuse- I’ll be 64 this month.
Email me at cwb48@verizon.net and I’ll send you my portrait gallery (gallery of rogues) with the hope that you can put some names to the faces.
OK Chris, I shall have to do more work. Will send a few pics to your e-mail address.
Chris … were you with the 8th engr.?
Dave Pettengill
I too was a combat draftsmen for HHC 8th Engineers S3. I was there the same time you were. Were you with the First Cav.?
Dave Pettengill 716-244-3780
I too was a combat draftsmen for HHC 8th Engineers S3. I was there the same time you were. Were you with the First Cav.?
I was a combat engineer draftsmen with the 8th engineers during that time. Were you with the 8th engineers?
13th signal
co A
comcenter
MAR 69 – MAR 70
Mike Schlemer 2022 RIP
no I was with 11 GS aviation co, apr 69 apr 70
Charles,It’s possible we knew each other. I was in 11th Gen Support, Hdqtrs Co from 9/69 through 5/70. I was a door gunner for three months, then Top’s deuce and a half driver/”Gook Honcho” for the rest of my tour. I was med-evacuated towards the end of May less than a week before my scheduled ETS.SP4 Gary Hatfield
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Does anyone out there remember the Navy aircrew and their two helicopters that was station at Phuoc Vinh from May to Aug 1970? We flew search and find missions with the First Air Cal, during the Cambodian operation. Our aircraft were outfitted with anti-submarine detection systems which lend its self useful in finding ammunition and weapons buried in the tunnels along the Cambodian border.
Jim, here is a link to a post I entered some time ago. “Dancing The Foxtrot” written by Walker Jones one of our scout pilots. Walker and crew were rescued by a Navy team operating in Vietnam after their bird was downed by enemy fire:
https://usastruck.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/dancing-the-foxtrot/
Have a Great Veterans Day & Welcome Home…
Jim, Yes I remember them. I do not remember there were two Navy helo’s, but I remember the aircraft was strange looking and it was odd to see Naval personal inland. Thanks for the info about what they did.
Bill
Hi Jim. I was with Charlie Company, 228th from January 1970 until December 1970. I have several pictures of the navy choppers. They were parked in the 227th (hueys) reventments.
Welcome Home Dave…
I remember the Navy flying with the 1/9 during that time. I think they lost one of the sub hunter sensors while they
were there.
Dave, You left about the time I arrived. Dec ’70 – I was with Charlie Company also but with the “Hooks” Only there 4 months and they decided to send the Cav home… So they Transfered us all to 1’st Aviation and sent us to Pleku where I spent the last 8 months of my tour.
Welcome Home Tim…
Tim, You and I got to Phouc Vihn at about the same time. Only I went to A Btry 2/20 ARA. We went to the Plantation (just outside Bien Hoa). Alex J Hernandezalexjher@swbell.net
I was there for FOUR months.. Mostly Maintenance (hooks) but one day the Sgt comes to me and says, “Say, you are pretty good with that wrench” so being the cocky young buck that I was I whole heartedly agreed with him. So he says, “Well, GOOD!! because we need that kind of confidence in Flight Platoon in case one of these birds breaks down in the field – Grab your gear… you are a gunner / mechanic – So I spent six weeks flying out of P.V. then they packed up the Cav & shipped them home but transferred all of us to 1st Aviation and sent us to Pleaku. Spent 8 months up there. After about 2 months they gave me a bird & made me a crew chief. Never got the official designation but did the job for six months.
C CO 227 reventments
Make sure you get component in a contest for one of the best blogs on the internet. I’ll recommend this web page!
The correct name was John Butt this is a great story, and his follow up visit 40 years later makes it more interesting. We all wanted to travel back then a-lot of us needed time to heal, but I admire John for his Can Do Spirit. We all are brothers, and all of us were young and brave, and never left anyone behind. I will never forget the close friendships with soldiers from across this country.I never understood why most of us did not stay in touch I talked to other Vets, and it was pretty much the same story. I left Phouch Vinh April 70 31st company D I wounder if some of our guys went into Cambodia does anyone know. I heard nothing about the operation before I left I was in the morning reports being in supply. The only thing I remember Top was begging me to come out to a field location I said top I’m short 20 days” no way.”
http://www.20thengineerbrigadereunion.com/
Working on it Mill Sir
Parts of “B” Co. were a part of the Cambodian Incursion. I have a copy of the article from “VietNam” magazine that details this. Could mail you a copy if you want . frostmanbikes@gmail.com
Craig: I am sure it is you now. The was our company moto: Can Do. Capt. Dovas was in charge for awhile. We had Rozele, Brady, Ken and Drac in my como unit. I use to fly out all the time and you would supply me with all the ammo I could carry.
Craig: I left in April 1970 also and I was in communication and I did not here a word about it. This all happened so after we left.
I was in the 557 light equipment co. part of the 31st engineer bn in 1970. I have pictures of Phouc Vinh,QuanLoi and camp called doomsday. I left in nov as part of the troop withdrawl (Vietvamization) HUGH.FRom reading this it is hard to believe they tore the place down so soon after i left Damm what a waste the whole thing was.Good luck to every one that is still around.
Bert, I’m always looking for more photos of Phuoc Vinh. Scan them and send them my way, if you will: usastruck@yahoo.com
Welcome Home…
Bert…. I was in HQ 1st/9th. I sure would like to see your photos of both Phuoc Vinh and Quan Lio. I visited Quan Lio each and everyday. Please send to fmck48@hotmail.com Bert, be sure to send me your e-mail address, and I will send you photos too if you’re interested. Thank you Bert. Sincerely, Frank McKinnon.
Name is San Miguel. I was with 557 in PV and Quan Loi in 1970. Run a road grader with group called Earth Eaters. Some of the other guys named Fleury and The is. Have more with pictures and slides.
Welcome home.
I was in PV in June of 70 With the 31st. In Aug I transferred to the 557, I was a heavy crane operator and was all over the III Corps. Finally left in Feb. of 72.
I am sure I knew flurry. A Mexican guy that was a great guy. If I recall he got hurt once with shrapnel .I am sure I know you. But after 44 years I can not remember names. I still have the faces just like it was yesterday. I worked in the motor pool getting parts and driving truck. I sure you are doing well. good luck.
Hi San Miguel,
I was with the 557th in Phouc Vihn from May 1969 to April 1970. I was the welder who repaired the heavy equipment when it was damaged by the little presents that charlie would leave over night at the road construction sites. During the time I was there the runway was entirely made of (psp) pierced steel plate and one of my other duties was to repair the runway at night after the planes tore it up during the day. during the rainy season.
Oh yes I was also pretty good at fixing the radiators in all the heavy equipment, I was a Spec 5 and worked out of a shipping container at the motor pool just off the runway. I would like to know if you have found anyone else from that time and am interested in seeing your pictures.
I had a lot of them myself but they were lost, during a heavy rain storm just before I left in April of 70.
God Bless you brother and welcome home.
Danny H. Richardson
Welcome Home Danny…
Danny I was with the 557 from maybe Sept. 70 to Feb of 72. (came over in June but was with the 31st) Was in almost the entire 3rd Corps as I ran a heavy crane. Glad to find someone else form the 557.
Welcome home David,
I also got to see a lot of the 3rd Corps. Since I was one of a very few Welders, I was at Bu Dop, Tay Ninh, the top of Nui Ba Ra Mountain, Cam Ranh Bay and an NDP-(Night Defensive Position), out in the middle of nowhere, along side one of the roads that the unit was building.
I’m glad you made it home, and I Thank You for your service.
Welcome Home Danny…
We covered much of the same ground. I was at BuDop, Tay Ninh, Phu Loi, Pace, Margaret, Phovc Vinh, Song Be, and many more, some forgotten. We lost William Gammon and William George in Tay Ninh to a IED 105 round.
HHC 8th Engineer Jul 68-69 I worked on the runway
Welcome Home Wally…
PHUOC VINH 2–12 CAV. 11B 3 MONTHS JAN.1971—-MARCH 1971 (REPLACEMENT) DIDN’T GET TO COME HOME ON THIS STANDOWN—SENT ME UP NORTH WITH 101TH TILL DEC. 1971
LOOKING FOR EDWARD DISHMAN, TEXAS 11B (FORT ORD, CALIF.)
shoot me an email to DMullins051@yahoo.com and I’ll send a quick search on DISHMAN.
WAS NOT IN REAR VERY MUCH TO GET TO KNOW WAY AROUND PHUOC VINH. VERY GOOD INFOR. HERE. THANKS
I’ve got to ask, are you a Big Red fan? Welcome Home Joe…
YES GO HUSKERS—SEE YOU IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA JAN 2 THE OLD SALAD BOWL. NO, I’M NOT GOING, WILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT. ALL WELCOME HOME
Husker here too. Last night, New Year’s eve, reminded me of being on perimeter guard duty in Phouc Vinh, the evening of 12/31/70. The officer of the guard ranted for at least 10 minutes – warning us not to shoot off our flares at midnight – that it was an Article 15 offense. He was very passionate about it, and determined to prevent the celebration – all for naught. At midnight, flares shot out from almost every bunker. Such was Vietnam.
In respect & memory of Danny Kline and those lost at Phouc Vinh 19 Dec 67
May you all RIP.
http://www.virtualwall.org/dk/KlineRD01a.htm
A Note from The Virtual Wall
On 19 December 1967 a UH-1D Huey (tail number 65-09987) of the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company was participating in a combat assault rehearsal. The aircraft, carrying four crewmen and six infantrymen from A/1/506th Inf, lifted off from Phouc Vinh. While passing through 200 feet and above a stand of 75-foot-tall trees the aircraft suffered engine failure and descended into the trees. The tail boom separated from the cabin on impact with the trees, allowing the cabin to free-fall to the ground. The cabin struck nose-low, turned over, and burned. All ten men aboard died in the crash:
•From the 162nd AHC: ◦CWO Larry A. Harke, Seattle, WA
◦CWO John F. Holz, Harrisburg, PA
◦SP4 Anthony V. Campaniello, Corona, NY
◦SP4 Robert D. Kline, Long Beach, CA
•From A Company, 1/506th Infantry: ◦SFC Walter O. Brown, San Antonio, TX
◦SFC Leroy Everett, Atlantic Beach, FL
◦CPL Steven N. Radu, Cleveland, OH
◦PFC Charles Carpenter, Oakland, CA
◦PFC Eugene Miley, Elizabeth, NJ
◦PFC Jimmy L. Woolfolk, Richardson, TX
“Slow Hand Salute” 3 seconds up and 3 seconds down…
Amen…
I just added this website to my rss reader, great stuff. Cannot get enough!
Merry Christmas to all. And a happy new year too. HQ troop. 1/9th.. Feb 14 1969 Feb 14 1970.
Don Rhoades here, I was in 1st Air Cav in Phouc Vinh 69/70 E btry 82nd arty. I had the beer drinking monkey Coco. Most of my photos have disappeared during a move. I am sick about it. I had a lot of great shots. I’ll take all the photos I can get.
Thanks.
Welcome Home Don & Merry Christmas…
I was at E 82 nd arty….69 70. I remember coco…I flew scouts,and have lots of pics….I have been in touch with Rick Hobson recently….he was there…
More photos are always welcome if you would like to see them posted on this site.
Welcome Home Bill…
I was there around May of 70 for a week. Left for Budop up near Cambodia. Returned for about 1 week and then went out in the field again near Phoc Binh. I stayed there for a bit and then transfered to the 557LE company. Any one remember Charlie Knight from the 31st, Talk black man wore a sharktooth around his neck?
Dave, were you with the 31st Engineer Battalion? I noticed you mentioned the 31st in your comment.
Bu Dop was our staging area when we made our move into Cambodia on May 6, 1970; were you there then?
https://usastruck.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/the-invasion-of-cambodia-was-underway-d-day/
Welcome Home…
Yes I just got there. Was located in the rubber plantation at the end of the airstrip. My best high school friend Charlie Burlingame was with an artilery unit at the other end and I never knew it.
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was once entirely right. This submit truly made my day. You can’t consider just how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
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Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Great pic of PV. I was XO of 595th Signal Co out of DiAn, we had a site in PV and supplied the 9th Cav with comunications up there. Also had a site at LiaKhe and Di An suplied the ist Inf Div Hq and Support Comd with Communications also. I was there Oct 68 to Oct 69 Myname Is Thomas Masters, I was 21-22 years old there and was a 1st Lt Signal Corp.with the 595th Signal Co 3rd Signal Brigade 1stSignal Battalion. Love to know if you have any pics of the 595th Sig Co in your collection would really appreciate it if you would send same to themasters@roadrunner.com . Really enjoyed this post great job, was in PV several times in 68-69, I was also the Pay Officer and was always welcome there. lol. Wasn’t a camera bug but now I wish i would have taken pics. Reading some of the comments, I do remember youu could set your watch bythe incoming everynight, and i too almost met my maker there,I wasalso in a drunken stuper with CW4 John koivistobeside me. We hit the dirt, low crawled about 30 yards in about 3 seconds got up and ran for the bunker, soberas judges by then lol.
Perhaps others here might have photos you are looking for.
Welcome Home Tom…
Hi Thomas… Do you remember the location you were in at PV fire base? East, west, north or south of the runway, etc.. You may want to start by looking at the Walker Jones’ aerial photo, a northern view of the south east side of the runway. ( about the 5th photo from the top underneath the title, ‘phouc vinh airfield’ ) There are other aerial photos taken from different headings. Photos 39, 40, 41. Along with photos I had of my own, this is how I located my AO. Good luck. Frank.
Rob… The third from the last photo is Richard Lamb’s photo of several Vietnese walking through the HQ flightline. The building in the back ground of that photo is the avionics build, and the buiding to the right of it is HQ. I sure would like to contact Richard Lamb to see if he would have anymore photos that might be of interest. Thanks Rob. Frank.
Woh I enjoy your posts , saved to my bookmarks ! .
Wow…Can I just say what great posts and pics. I was wondering if anyone could help me please. I`m sure most of you are familiar with the photograph of the young man wearing the helmet with `war is hell` written on. I`m told he was in Phuc Vihn with the 173rd airborn battalion in June 1965. I`m amazed that no one seems to know his name, I mean, his photo states an unknown soldier. Does anyone know if he survived the war? If anyone could help me I`d be most grateful, thank you! I`m from the UK and have read up in detail about The Vietnam War. I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to all you brave men/boys that were involved in that war. I have the upmost respect for you all. God bless you.
Dawn, his name was Larry Wayne Chaffin, he died at 39 from illness relating to agent orange. More Pic .of him on my Vietnam vet broad.
Thanks, great question! I will start digging for an answer…
Thanks so much.
Incredible excellent web site and also greater articles. I have been exposed to several internet pages with what seems like an endless net of information yet that one truly sticks out if you ask me. Basically share.
Paul Adler here. I was with 15th TC Bttn from Mar 69 – Jan 70. They moved us from Cu Chi to Phouc Vinh about April or May ’69 or so as I recall. I was Avionics repairman – mainly worked on ARC-51BX. We were next door to C Trp 1/9 so decided to fly doorgunner with them for a while. What a wild experience that was. The photos on this website (or is it a blog – what the hell is a blog anyway?) are incredible. I have a couple of Phouc Vinh. Man those mortars used to roll in on us about 1am 3-5 times a week.
Paul, I was also with the 15th TC in Cu Chi and made the move to PV and was assigned to Bravo 2/20. I arrived at Cu Chi in Feb 1969 just in time for the ground attack where the VC came through the wire and blew up 10 Chinooks with satchel charges.
I was with B Company 2/12, from March 1970- April 1971, as an 11 Bravo. We were in Cambodia for the invasion. Besides, the combat in Cambodia what has stuck in my mind, was coming across a huge pile bones stripped clean. It was a dead elephant. You could see pieces of shrapnel in the bones. Not far away was a large bomb crater. You could tell it was an old crater. Years later we found out about the “secret bombing” of Cambodia prior to our invasion.
We operated out of Song Be. I was assigned to Phouc Vinh. It was called Palace Guard. I was a Platoon and later Company RTO. I was assigned to BN RTO which meant I now had a hooch to sleep in at Phouc Vinh. Besides worrying about the incoming, the place was infested with rats. You could hear them running around during the night.
Some of the buildings were closed and locked up, as we were drawing down the American forces. The ARVN we were told would take the base over. The rumor at the time in early 1971 was American Troops were to avoid going into areas where there were NVA-VC to avoid American casualties. Don’t know how true that was but given the politics I can believe it.
I looked at Phouc Vinh on a Google Map it appears the old base has been wiped clean. That odd Bell Tower building seems to have survived. We were told it was from French Era, but I don’t know.
I was at Phouc Vin with Delta Co, 1/506 101st abn Inf, Dec 67 to Dec 68th would like to hear from anyone there at that time, Thanks Roger D. Wilson , please e-mail me Roger 1571@hotmail.com
Welcome Home Roger…
I was NCOIC of the Aerial Port Squadron (USAF) billeted under the control tower 70-71. About six of us guys handled all of the air freight and passenger movement in/out of the base. Had a great rapport with the Cav and the other Army troops. All the best to you and thanks for covering our backs while we were there.
We all covered each others backs.
Welcome Home Tom…
I was with the 1/9 at PV 25 Apr 69 – 29Apr 70, mostly with HHT. Currently, I’m looking to contact Tom Tucker and Ron Cepek.
Have you checked out this post:
Maybe a comment there help.
Welcome Home Gerry…
This brings back a lot memories. I arrived in PV from Germany Aug. of 69 left Jan. of 70 for Cam Ranh Bay, left for home May of 70. I was with HHC, 11th AVN Group, have some pic will try to send them your way.
More photos are always welcome.
Welcome Home Raymond…
Hey Ray… I was an ATC @ PV from Dec 68 to Dec 69… I’d really dig seeing your pics as all of mine were destroyed in a fire a number of years ago… my email is tmaxton(@)gmail(dot)com
Welcome home bro…
Peace
I was with the 595th Signal Co. (White Plt). I got there in Dec 67 and left Nov 68. We had all of the base camp and long line communications. We took a direct hit with a 42 mm mortor in our nco hooch, one kia and six of us were wounded. We also ran the MARS station and the am radio station. I can account for 152 mortot and rocket attacks while I was there.
Jim Davis
I never kept a running count of our mortar/rocket attacks, but they were quite frequent. https://usastruck.com/2009/07/30/400/
Welcome home Jim…
Some really excellent posts on this website , thankyou for contribution.
Yes I remember them. I do not remember there were two Navy helo’s, but I remember the aircraft was strange looking and it was odd to see Naval personal inland Thanks for the info about what they did.
Glad you found us!
Welcome Home Bill…
Mr Struck, thank you for this blog site. I began letting go of all the memories because I did not think it possible to connect with this history of my life. You have performed a great service. I pray the others involved find it also. You must have been sent buy gods hand. Thanks again!
Bill
Thank you so much for the compliment…
Didn’t look like phuoc vinh when I was their Dec 1967
Welcome home Ed…
BTW I am almost positive the movie I was showing that night was Tora Tora Tora. With the bombs in the movie and me being a newbie, it took a couple of moments to click as to what was going on. What I find really wierd is that another projectionist went back to the projector as I did in a similar situation. I believe the Chaplains Asst. was the projectionist before me and he DEROS’d before I got there. I know I used to know his name but can’t remember it.
Gary, 40 year old memories and where they fit in time is difficult. This is definitely a giant puzzle effort for those who have the will to put the facts together. Detectives have the same problems, and persistence is the only answer. Chris has been doing this for so long that I feel like a newbie after only one week at this site. I do not recall Tora Tora Tora at any of my VN movies theaters. I ran one myself for a month at Cu Chi, and visited 3 others in VN. I have enough personal memory of the movie I described at HHC 31 that I shall try to find the name and let you and Chris know. Perhaps our HHC 31 projectionist was a chaplains assistant. I think I remember our chaplains assistant, he may have run some movies. You sparked a memory in me just now. Maybe Chris remembers him? I shall investigate, look at my slides and Chris’s when they arrive at my home. Bill
hello,men! This is richard “rick’ turner. I was at phuoc vinh from october 1970 to march 1971. I was with the 545th mp co.( hated being an mp, but I guess you gotta go where the army wants you). When I first arrived in country I was at long binh b.m.b. with the 152nd mp co. Which was part of the 199th l.I.b.. I was in what was called ‘ the rat patrol’. I stood up in the back of a jeep with an m60 and we went out with the convoys. I was wounded in action and received in addition to the purple heart the arcom for valor and the bronze star for valor. Not long after that the 199th went home and then I went to phuoc vinh. I still remember how those rockets used to come in. You could set your watch by them. I remember one night when a rocket hit the Arvn compound and one went through the roof of a hooch and hit a woman who was in bed asleep. What a way to go! This is really a great blog site, I’m glad I found it. Great photos, now I remember how the place looked. Great aerial photos too. Does anybody remember Capt. K or top sgt.bird of the 545th? Welcome home,men and happy memorial day. Please don’t drink and drive, we lost to many good men already.
Thanks Richard and Welcome Home…
Hi Richard….. Do you have any photos you can share with us? Frank McKinnon.
Frank, you are such a photo hound. Did I offer you a CD with all 15 boxes of my slides in jpeg format? If not, let me know and I’ll be glad to send you one. Give me a street address- I think you have my email address.
Chris
Hi Chris… I’m sorry, but you’re so right. I am a photo hound! We can best keep our effort in Viet nam alive with photos. I do not remember your offer, but I think that would be most kind of you to send me the CD. Thank you very much. I’ll send you a e-mail tomorrow. Frank McKinnon.
Frank did you ever get the photo dvd from Chris and if so may I get a copy please.
Dear Rich,
You might not know or remember me neither do I about you at that time.
But I was an ARVN SFC Interpreter for PMO, CID and 545th MP Co from
9/65 to 6/72. I was at PV at the time you were there. CPT K. and myself with about a squad MP was the last convoy left PV for BienHoa Army base 6/71
after everybody are gone. CPT K is a member of 545thmpassn.com. You
can join this assn. at anytime and free You may find more of your friends there . Sorry I could not remember 1SGT Bird.
Thank for your services and take care.
Dear Mr Hoanh,
Maybe you know my father ? He was also interpreter in Phuoc Vinh, at 1st CAV, G5 , from 1969-1972. His name: NGUYEN The Hung. He passed away in 2013. I’m looking for memories of my father.
Thank you and take care
Hiep
My deeply sorrow to hear that your father passed away. RIP old soldier.
I think I remember your father. Is he come from North VN 1954 and your family is living in Khanh Hoi (Quan 4) Saigon before 1975. At that time 1972 i think your father told me he is study law in Saigon University.
You can get in touch with me by my Email : Moehoanh@Aol.com in either in Vietnamese or English I would love to hear about your father, because when we departed from 1 CAV 06/72 I never run into your father again. I respected your father he was very hard working soldier. Hope to hear from you soon,
Ng van Hoanh
Good pitures i was there may 69-70 31enginers. Mobile heavy equipment mechanic .would love to here from any of my buddies.call 301-501-6455. Tasker
Welcome Home James…
I was in the Nam over in Cu Chi from 70-71 with the 242nd Aviation Company. I have a question. Was anyone there at Phouc Vinh in March of 68 who knew the 101st MP’s and to anyone’s knowledge was there any MP’s awarded a Bronze Star for being hit by incoming flak? I know a purple heart was awarded but how about a bronze star!
Welcome Home Rick…
Was in Phouc Vinh 66/67 126th Inf, anyone from that period have any photos all of mine were destoryed. Welcome Home everyone!
Tom…. I did get Chris’ photos. And he has some very good ones too. I will be happy to send these to you. But, I’m not very good with computers. So, you may have to wait until this week end when my step son gets home. In the mean time, send me your e-mail address. And I will start tonight with what ever I can. My address. fmck48@hotmail.com
Thanks. Frank McKinnon.
Nice job with the photos. I was in Quan Loi & Song Be at LZs Buttons, Thomas, and Judy in 69-70 with D, 5/7 and later E, 5/7. Also served as Gen Shoemakers aide and for a short time Gen Casey’s aide. Nothing compares to the courage and absolute dedication of our Cav troops.
Welcome Home Bowman…
Anybody know SP4 Bob Mulholland at the 720th MP during 67-68 years!
We got 3 mortors or sometimes rockets at supper time every evening, the tried to hit the helicopters or air field but generally fell short and hit company area of C co 31st engr.
http://www.google.com Hey! useful post you have there. Thank you;)
And while we never had a chance to say it while in Vietnam, my sincere thanks go out to all those 1/9th troopers on the ground and in the air who helped me both as a rifle platoon leader and recon platoon leader for D, 5/7 during some very serious fire fights. When the “stuff hit the fan” you were always there with your firepower.
This is a gret site, sent it to my boss who was with 1st Cav, 2nd of the 5th in Cambodia 70-71. He saved 5 lives in his Platoon before he left.
I am tring to find a documentary for him, please help me to find it.
The name is “Shakeys Hill”, can’t find it anywhere. Please if you know where I can find this. Thank you all
Patricia
Thanks Patricia…I believe the DVD can be purchased here: http://shakeyshill.com
I watched it on either the Discovery or History Channel. Great Documentary!
http://www.google.com I think this is among the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
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July 26-28th,2013 New Orleans La. 20th Engineer Brigade Reunion, I live in Central Wi. and am planning on doing a self-supported bicycle trip to the party. Will leave here (Stevens Point) on July 5th and plan on 65-75 miles per day and camping the entire way. I will get on the Mississippi River Trail in Iowa and follow it into New Orleans. Any one out there up for an adventure/bicycle convoy ? Larry Frostman 715 347 6115 frostmanbikes@gmail.com
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading
it, you’re a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back from now on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice morning!
Thank you…
Thanks for the comments and photos. Having been a weapons and rifle platoon leader in D, 5/7 and recon plt ldr for the Bn, I am grateful for the tremendous support from the aviation crews at Phouc Vinh and our 1/9 crews who bailed me out many times. Your firepower made all the difference in the world.
Thanks for putting this site up. I was at Puouc Vinh in ’70 with B227 AHB as crewchief on UH1D 452. I have a few pictures of the area if you’re interested.
Sure thing Bill; always looking for more!
Welcome Home…
Thanks for this site. I was in Phouc Vinh from Dec ’70 to April or so of ’71. with the Chinooks CH-47’s 1st Cav 228th C company — then they moved us to 1st Aviation in Plleiku where I stayed till Dec ’71. Some of the names I recall from Phouc Vinh are Chuck Walla, Dale Riggs, Micky Eveland, Dave D’albro (not sure of that spelling) Dan Forcel, Dave (the bear) Carte, Craig Morton, Chris Christianson, Eugene Falsone — are a few that I can recall. a couple of the pilogs were Mr. Derring (not sure of that spelling either) Cpt. Player…
Wish I could remember more but that’s it for now.
Oh yea, Tom Spoo & I got to do a 3 day in country R&R to Da Nang and swim in the South China Sea. I have some photos that I will try to post here in the near future.
Don’t know his first name but our C. O. was a Major Parks.
i enjoyed and flashed back to my time in pv 70-71 co c 2/7 cav tom in wva god bless all vets///
Welcome Home Brenda…
i was in pv 1968-1969 forward air support with the small doubletail plane called ov 10 Bronco, i came in to assist with flight line bunker operations until other members trained and moved in, with my unit forward air support fix wing came morters and rockets every day and night for 1st month or two, i wore 1st calv, patch and airforce insignia. i have bad memory loss and ptsd and cant remember names of the ones i served with, 69 our tent in af section got blown away alone with officers tent getting hit, i assisted in saving unit and got the bronze star with “V” hope this helps someone remember me, i have no contacts from that era.
Perhaps someone here will remember you.
Welcome Home JB…
Great memories from this site; thank you.
I was CO, HHC 11th Aviation 2/69-8/69
Welcome Home Dick…
Hi Dick: My name is David Mullins. I was an Air Tower Controller while you were there. I’d like to get in touch with you if I can. Please respond to DMullins051@yahoo.com
Hey David…
I was a Tower & GCA controller @ PV (Dec ’68 – Dec ’69). I completed my tour before the new tower was finished being built… when were you there?
Bill Johnson… if you read this drop me an e-mail!
HELLO TERRY: I saw your message. Welcome home. I was in country from May 69 to Dec. 69. My unit in PV was the 595th Signal Co. Our equipment was the first PCM based equipment deployed to Nam. PCM=Pulse Code Modulation. It was a new line of next generation the army was deploying to Nam. Most of my time was fairly routine. It’s just when Charlie wanted to keep us on our toes that things got hairy. There’s not too much you can do about incoming other than dive into a bunker and hope for the best. I now live in Bath, PA, married my sweetheart when I came home. We raised 3 boys and now have 3 grandchildren. I’m semi retired. I had owned 2 H & R Block Tax Offices for many years, then sold them to my kids. They’re doing well, but this virus is making operating any type of business difficult.
Tell me more about you.
Hey guys Donald Gray here I was in the 1st Log. Com 610 Maint Bn. LSA in 1969 . Have a lot of good & bad memioies of that place. Have lost alot of good night sleep over it to. I like your site to.
Thank you Donald; Welcome Home…
I just Googled Phuoc Vinh and found this site. What a flood of memories as I read these messages. Thank you, brothers-in-arms for sharing your stories. I was vacationing in Phuoc Vinh from Sep 67 to Sep 68. 407th TC Detachment to 162nd Assault Hel Co. – Vultures. We built the big helicopter maintenance hangar that never got used because it was such a big target! I don’t know if anyone mentioned the man made swimming hole a Vietnamese caterpillar driver built in the middle of our compound to increase the drainage during the monsoons. Classic SNAFU.
Thank you for the Phuoc Vinh info; photos are always welcome.
Welcome Home Phil…
Phil:
I am trying to locate anyone who might remember my husband, Albert Griffin or the crew chiefs and maintenance crews for the 162nd Assault Helicopter – especially the water supply and the road dust control during the dry season in Phuc Vinh
I was there in 68 door gunner, sorry can’t remember a lot of the people anymore.
I spent two years in PV and 21 other bases. I saw no dust control anywhere, at any time. We did spray water when building the roads but that was it. The dust was so bad that it usually took 2 steam baths to get the laterite dust out of your skin. We all had “false” golden tans.
I spent the end of 69 thru March of 70 in PV with the 8th Combat Engineers. I believe we did spray roads to control some of the dust. I believe we even put down some oil. Sorry I did not know your husband. I pray that he did come home and live a blessed life. Good luck with your search, Dave
On Sun, Apr 11, 2021 at 12:07 PM My Vietnam Experience wrote:
> David Armstrong commented: “I spent two years in PV and 21 other bases. I > saw no dust control anywhere, at any time. We did spray water when building > the roads but that was it. The dust was so bad that it usually took 2 steam > baths to get the laterite dust out of your skin. We all” >
I was the clerk in the office for 1st Sgt. Brooks, 407th TC Attachment to the162nd. There aren’t many names I remember except Joe Ray in armament and Bob Malingo, a maintenance team leader. I was there Sep 67 to Sep 68. I was stationed with Bob in Germany in 1969 when he was killed in a car accident.
Hey Albert & Cynthia…
Peace…
I was in the Air Force Security Police stationed at Bien Hoa, March 1969-March 1970. We were not allowed to leave base to look around Bien Hoa City or Saigon, so when an opportunity to leave base presented it self I took it. There was a request for volunteers to go to Long Binh in an exchage program , so I held up my hand , and was off for 6 days of convoy protection with the Army. Tay Ninh , Phuc Vinh, and Quanloi. Made some really good friends, and saw way more country than I wanted, but an experience I will never forget. When I got back to Bien Hoa some of my buddies said i was an idiot for volunteering, but that’s ok I told them because we were all in this thing together. It was an honor to have spent time with the Army.
Dave Thompson
3rd. Combat support Group
Bien Hoa ,Vietnam
1969—1970
Welcome Home Dave…
Dave, I was stationed in Cu Chi, 25 klicks northeast of Bien Hoa. I came in country at Bien Hoa and flew out from there as well. I served as a door gunner on our CH-47’s until I quit flying in month 8, for the 242nd Aviation Company, 269th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division from March 70 to April 71. We lost five of our ships while I was there. We supplied Phuc Vinh, Quanloi, Phu Loi,, Xuan Loc, Phu Li, and Bearcat, and made the ride every other day to the top of Nui Ba Dihn (Tay Nihn Mountain). It was home to a VC regiment that held the middle of the mountain and they shelled Tay Nihn City aka Rocket City every night or two. My ship (#011) was the first 47 Chinook to cross the Cambodian border the day Nixon sent us 25 miles inside. We pulled out 900 SKS’s. 200 RPG’s, 9 KIA NVA’s and 20 lbs of Kan Sai, true story. I miss the guys I served with and especially the guys we lost to combat that were from our Unit. It saddens me to see the way the VA is treating our brothers and sisters who served, then and now. But I am glad I went, and I am proud to have served with all those that gave a part of their lives to that country. In the end, it meant something to all of us. Especially the value of life itself. God Bless you bros.
Hi Rick…. 1st of the 9th Phuoc Vinh ’69-’70. If you will send me your e-mail address I’ll send you several photos of the top of that mountain. Also, if you have any photos you’d like to share please send them to fmck48@hotmail.com. Thanks. Frank McKinnon.
1SG William Fondren 1B/1st Cav. 13th Signal, 10 july, ’68 to 8 july ’69, if anyone here knew him I would like to get in touch with you.
Great info here, I was in Phuoc Vinh 68-69 1st Cav 8th Eng, moved from Camp Evans on Lst ships.
Have 30-40 photos of air strip repair, have no idea of what type of planes they are. Have about 40 pics of Phouc Vinh general stuff.
Thank you for you service
Dave, send photos my way if you would like to share.
Welcome Home…
How do i send pictures Phouc Vinh to you
Scan them and attach to an email. Thank you…
usastruck@yahoo.com
please scan pics and send to me also PHOUC VINH 11 GS 69-70
Besides posting them would you be able to upload them to an iCloud or send them via Box: love to get copies! DMullins051@yahoo
Dave – made the the rotation down from Camp Evans 1968 on LST to Phuoc Vinh – HQ 1st Cav Div (G-3) – 3/4 ton truck driver. Transferred to
HHC 3rd Bde, 1st Cav Div (Security Platoon), Quan Loi Jan – Jul 1969
Was at Quan Loi when we got hit in May 1969, not a good day. I thought the incoming at Phuoc Vinh was bad, Quan Loi changed that thought.
Don “SGT Snuffy” Smith
Recon Platoon, 1/52nd Infantry 1970-71
Welcome Home Don…
Have you gotten the red dirt from Quon Loi out of your skin yet? We used to re-fuel there and it was nice just drop in and get hell out! We flew out of Phuoc Vinh.
Welcome Home Tom…
Quan Loi in 1966-67 was a relatively peaceful place; where French Rubber Plantation Mangers lived. That all changed by March-April 1967. it was a big CIA fly in and out of place as well. Mortaring and ambushes galore at that time. Red laterite dirt all over.
I was the there ’69 – ’70 … we had a detachment there with linguists and Morse operators intercepting NVA and VC communications. We we doing the same from a Huey in the region … Phuoc Vinh to Tay Ninh to Son Bei … it got nasty when found the 9th NVA HQ.
Just doing some research, how many of you Vets that served near Phouc Vinh have problems with burning dry eyes and what if anything has the VA or your doctor done for you ?
Yes, I also have that condition. Do you feel it may be linked to Agent Orange exposure. I spent thirteen months in Phuoc Vinh and I know it raised havoc on my health at the time and also later. I filed an Agent Orange claim a year ago for my skin condition; it was denied because squamous cell carcinoma is not on the (so called) Agent Orange list.
I had my heart disease linked to AO finally. I did a few boom spray missions while I was there with B227AHB. I also have watery eyes but it hasn’t been linked to anything.
Posted the same question on my Battalion website, several are reporting the same problems . Coincidence ?
Hi, I found this site while googling PHOUC VINH. My husband was a FAC crew chief from Dec 1967 until July 1968. He speaks very little about his year over there but I think he supported the 101st. That is all I know and am looking for info on that time over there, on the Bird Dogs. I did not see any pictures on this site, I may have a couple though.
Can you imagine what goes thru the minds of former VC and NVA soldiers when they hear chopper blades today !
I found this blog by Googling Phuoc Vinh also. I was there from the beginning until about October 1966. Originally with HHC, 1st BDE, Big Red One, transferred to Charlie Co, 1/26th INF after a week or two. The 1/26th was originally north-east of the village – had the 8-inch and 175mm Long Tom self-propelleds right behind us, firing over our heads, moved to west side of the village early 1966 – had 105mm behind us there. Airstrip was just a dirt strip when I was there, no tower. I have many slides, but have never had them converted, need to work on that.
Please do share your photos.
Welcome Home James…
James, we have located over 1,000 blue spaders that served in vn….send me an email to vebs1967@gmail.com so i can share the listing.
regards, jim charland A Co 1966-67
Took these pictures of Phuoc Vinh from the top of the signal town near HQ while installing an antenna … somet ime mid-’69.
I have tons of shots of Quan Loi, Tay Ninh, Saigon, Black Virgin Mt, Son Be, etc. … many from the helicopter
Just thought I’d share …
Tom
I was on guard duty the night that rocket went thru the side of the hanger near the air strip.Was stationed with 595 commenter 7/69 -8/1970
Fred – Did you ever work in the PX at Phuoc Vinh? I bought a Kodak Instamatic there for $14.95 because I wanted to take some pictures of the stuff that was captured during the Cambodia incursion that was on display in front of Division Headquarters. I still have the sales receipt – it’s dated 5 Jun 70 and in the space for Sales Clerk is the name Thibodeau. Might just be a coincidence but I had to ask.
Joe I remember that weapons cache like it was yesterday.I also have pictures from that day.Never did work at the PX.Did 13 months at the commenter.Our hootch was across from the p o w compound.
Phouc Vihn starfetch 20.pdf
You stirred ua memory with these photos. I got there in Dec, ’70 with A btry 2/20 ARA.
Welcome Home Alex…
Thanks so much for this site. I visited Vietnam this week to research my father’s story and visited Phuoc Vinh on October 25, 2013. My dad, Gary Edwards, was a gunner on the Huey “Lady Luck” at PV from October 1968 to February 1969. He passed away a few years ago and left me dozens of photos from his time in Vietnam with the 1st Air Cav. Div. at Camp Evans and PV. They helped me find the town and former base. I have hundreds of photos and some video of Phuoc Vinh well as a great story to share of a man I met who is in one of the photos my dad’s took of him in 1968. I’d be happy to share some of his photos from 1968-69 and PV today if you’d like — it’s going to take me a few days to sort through them and pick the best ones for a memoir I’m writing about my father. I also have photos of Loc Ninh, Quan Loi, and Dau Tieng (Michelin Rubber Plantation) taken last week.
Please do share your photo and I will be more than happy to include them…Thank you, Rob
email: usastruck@yahoo.com
Hi Rob, did you receive my photos? I sent them before Christmas. I’m happy to resend if you didn’t. Thanks, Mike
Please resend…
Mr. Edwards… I did not know your Father in VN, but we all share your loss. WE are all interested in seeing any and all photos you have. Please contact Rob Struck, or Frank McKinnon. Thank you.
Outstanding websight enjoyed all of the pics.Iwas in Phouc vinh 1969-1970 with C Co 228th avn served as mechanic and crew cheif, Welcome home brothers
Welcome Home Robert…
Robert, just saw your message. I also was in Phouc Vinh in 69 and 70 (Sep-Sep). I was with the 191st MI Det. Welcome home, Brother.
Was the 228th the Chinook unit next to the airstrip/flight line or the Huey’s across the creek … which might have been the 227th? I was in Phouc Vinh Jan 69 – Jan 70 … was with Project Left Bank (371st RR Co,) … a Huey based communication intercept mission to locate the NVA and VC radio transmissions. Our Huey’s were on the other side of the creek and had a 10 – 15 ft boom on the nose with a directional antenna. Do the names Jack Knepp or Bill Kohner ring a bell?
I was with B/227 . We flew Hueys and were out by the wire away from the main active. Seems to me the 1/9th Cobras, the Chinooks and fixed wings were all over by the active. A/227 was (Hueys) next to us. I was there in 70/71.
Welcome Home Bill…
Was 371st located in rubber trees with 191st MID?
Yes we were in the rubber plantation … our shower was directly in front of you at the “T”/stop sign (a couple of hundred yards from the HQ and PX), our Orderly Room was on the right and the MP Motor Pool was on the left.
I was with the 191st MID from first week of Sep 69 to end of Aug 70. Knew of your unit and its mission but could not recall its designation. Come a long way from then, Welcome Home Brother.
So … you were there on Nov 29, 1970 when our ship got shot down in Song Be … all 4 crew were lost, as well as 1 loach and 2 Cobras. It was a bad day at the hands of the 9th NVA Div! Welcome home!
Hi Folks,
I was there from June 69 to June 70 with C Co 31st Engr we got to take the psp off the runway and mix concrete with the dirt to make a cement treated base. I was a 20 yr old Plt. Sgt on my second tour. The 1st tour was with the 4th inf div Pleiku, that was our base camp got to see it a couple of times.
we also opened up the road from Phuoc Vinh to song be we pulled recovery for the first convoy.
the convoy reached song be first time since the French had used the road.
we were located right below the refueling pad,doe’s anyone remember the three mortars at the time of the evening meal.
welcome home guys been a long time
Welcome Home Harold…
welcome home
No, I had already left at the end of Aug 70. I do know about the 9th NVA Div however, and I was there when we captured a VC radio operator with his radio near Camp Gorvad. Went to 371st seeking assistance with him and his equipment.
My mistake … it was Nov 29, 1969 … not 1970. Send me an email at tfredrickson@comcast.net … if you want.
Ross Williams also known Willy 1/28th co.A march 1966_march 1967 any one remember me email the web site is great thanks
Welcome Home Ross…
I just loved flying lifts and shooting at gooks. What else is there in life.
PH Adler
>
Ross, Tom Joseph A Co. 2nd Platoon 66-67. In Florida now . Oh! Art Montez lives in Joplin, Mo.
Hi Tom i do not remember you, I do not remember what platoon i was in do you have any pics also Hank Stockoff lives in Oregon, Jim Navarro passed last year.
Ross, do you remember a guy named Ron Downs or Bobby Erickson?
I’m Ron’s nephew, Terry.
Great pictures. I was with the 31st engineer battalion mar’68-’69. We came up from Black Horse when the Cav moved down to Phouc Vinh .
Welcome Home Tom…
31st has a face book page. Join in !
I’ll immediately clutch your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me understand in order that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
Follow Blog via Email on the front page…
I was in PV 69-70 8th eng HHC. I was the motor pool Sgt. I am trying to locate fellow service men in my platoon. By the way the pictures of PV are great. I really enjoyed them.
Welcome Home Tom…
Tom, i was also 8th Engineer P/V 68/69. I have lots of pics of the equipment/people, i bet i even have met you.
Wayne Sot
69 -70
13th signal battalion
Co B , com center
Just has a reunion with 3 guys i haven’t seen in 44 years
Mike Schlemer , Larry Thrash , Doyle Dow
Seems like yesterday
Wayne Sot Don’t know you I was in the 13th signal battalion com center, in P/V 10/68-10/69 I was from .West Virginia, Friend Michael Baughn from Washington Court House Ohio,
Welcome Home Joseph…
Why don’t i know you? We were both there in 69 . I remember Baughn , i have his picture . sumozilla@sbcglobal.net
do you have an email for cornett?
Anyone out there from the old 595th signal 1969/1970
Thank you for your e-mails. Lotta memories. Check out my blog:
Ryanindaswamp
Thanks Air Cav. Always glad to see Ya.
Ryan Donovan 1st Marines 3069 4rh Bt Echco 1st Force Recon 8441 TRAP MEU
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
Great picks Man. Mine went up in flames. 2001. Great blog.
Ryan Donovan
Sent from my Boost Mobile Phone.
Thank you Ryan…
Joe Dirvin Lima Platoon, A Co. 1/26th Inf., 1st Inf. Div. Oct.1s, 1966 to Oct 1st, 67
Joe I was in the 2nd platoon A Co. 1/26th Tom Joseph BLUE SPADERS
I was in the morter platoon till sept went to hq to drive mess truck was in country mar 66 mar 67 pv A 1/26
Welcome Home Roy…
I was in B Co. 1/12 Cav. 68/69. I think it was in March 69 that we did about a week of the Palace Guard duty around the PV base camp. Was more like guard duty just that we were outside the wire and not inside. We broke the company up in very small units maybe no more than squad size? we were spread out around PV. I remember the locals coming out during the day and selling us Cokes and Junk. As well as other things to be left unsaid. Then most likely they would go out at night and fire rockets at the base? I re-call we talked one of the local boys into letting us (rent) his Honda scoter for like $5 (MPC) We drove it up a dirt road for maybe a mile or two alone. Then we realized how dumb we were to be 2 GI’s on a Honda maybe 2 or 3 miles out in no mans land alone We turned around and made it back pretty fast and returned it to him. We hated to leave Palace Guards and return to the real war.
Welcome Home Joe…
My name is Jim McMahon, just typed in Phuoc Vinh and here I am. Great website, I enjoyed the pics! I was in Phuoc Vinh 2/70 – 12/70, HHC 31st Engrs Bn (S4) Supply. Had friends in headquarters, motor pool, the cook in the mess hall etc. if you needed supplies, you passed through our doors. Yes, I remember the storm that took the roof off S4.and damaged most of our buildings, I was in our hootch with my buddy Warren at the time. If you look at the photo above “Part of the HHC 31st Eng Bn company area…”, you can see the 31st outdoor theater on the far left, my hootch was right behind the bunker, to the right was the S4 yard. I also remember watching a movie one night when mortar rounds started coming into the company area, the movie was 2001 Space Odyssey, we never saw the end! The mortar attack were a nightly thing in the 70’s. Just in touch with 2n buddy’s from S4. Thanks for the memories! Jim
Thanks for your service!!!!
Welcome Home James…
Hi James,
I was in HHC about the same time as you. I think I have some photos of the damage to the S4 building. I don’t remember the 2001 Space Odyssey event, but I do recall a lot of movies getting interrupted because of mortar attacks. I also remember taking gas masks to the movies, as the chopper pilots were in the habit of throwing out tear gas grenades after refueling.
Hi Grant, the 2001 Space Odyssey mortar attack hit in front of the screen. Everyone made it to the bunker behind the screen, my hootch was behind that, we were there for a long time that night with dirt falling on us. The next morning we realized how lucky we were, the rounds hit all around us. I also remember the gas masks at the movies, mine hung over my bunk for we got it frequently at night. One guy Stock had a grenade in his hootch that went off one night, the smell lasted till the morning. Lol. Did you ever make it to one of (S4’s) cook outs, we had them almost every night, many parties. I was the one cooking the steaks soaked in beer!
I think I was on guard duty the night of that “Space Odyssey” attack. I know it was pretty nasty. As for the S-4 cookouts, I didn’t know anything about them. I do know the S-4 guys were a tight close-knit group that partied a lot. My friends (Roger Wilcox and Larry Morris) and I were welcomed to some of those parties, and we always enjoyed ourselves – but, I missed out on the steak.. I sat next to one of you on the flight home in January 1971 – a guy from California I remember.
I thought your name sounded familiar! Roger Wilcox was a very good friend of mine, he worked in head quarters,in personal if my memory is correct. Trying to place Larry. I invited Roger to those parties so we did meet!!! Yes we had great parties all the time, I got the booze for them, it paid to work in supply, glad to here you enjoyed yourself, that what the parties were for. I have pictures of Roger and those parties,now I wonder if your in them. Guy’s from Cav and all over Phuoc Vinh came to them. I looked at them after I started commenting, and could not remember everyone. I also have pictures of the storm that struck S4 etc. Yes we were a very tight group in S4. Glad to know you again Grant! Vietnam is part of us I guess, many people can.t comprehend that. Hope to catch up again. Jim
Wow, you’re the closest connection I’ve made to someone from my period. At least, we both know Roger Wilcox well. He was a great guy from Rifle, Colorado – and I think still resides in the state. Larry Morris was a chunky red-headed guy from the Virgin Islands – always had a big smile on his face. I live in Omaha, Nebraska (GO HUSKERS!). One more memory about the movies: Sometimes, they would be interrupted so we could watch a Cobra “working out” on a target – and that reminds me to recommend the book “Snake Pilot” written by a Cobra pilot from across the airstrip – about his 1970 experiences. If you ever get in my area, James, be sure to send me an email that you are passing through – grantmshaw@yahoo.com. P.S. I re-read your first post and figured out how you got all those steaks for S-4. 🙂
I was the projectionist for HHC in late ’70 till we moved to Long Binh in, I believe, in Feb ’71. I don’t remember showing that movie but I remember being interrupted by mortars & rockets several times. I remember running back to the projection booth to “save” the projector once. Afterwards I decided not to do that anymore.
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2014 04:52:35 +0000 To: iceman31@msn.com
I also ran the projector and showed the movies for the 15th Medical Bn at Phuoc Vinh in the fall of 1969. We also had a few rockets come in during the showings. Usually was only a few and we’d go back and finish the film after it was clear. Ours was set up right outside the EM club so you can guess what shape most all of the men where in while they watched the movies? I remember a few times when it rained and no one showed up for the movie, I’d take the projector and the movie back to my houch and show it on a bed sheet for the few guys who bunked in there.
Our paths had to have crossed, for we went to the movies when ever there was one to watch, like you said some we never saw the ending.
Hey Gary,
When I was at Phouc Vihn I was with A Btry, 2/20 ARA. I was also the projectionist when we had films brought in.. In 1971 we moved to the Plantation outside of Bien Hoa.
Alex J Hernandez alexjher@swbell.net
Were you with the 8th engr.?
David Pettengill HHc 8th Engineers
31st Engr Bn. Sorry, David
Were you with HHC with the 8th Engineers?
Grant, yes Wow that’s how I felt to! The last address I had for Roger was a Po. box in Rifle, tried to look him up today but did not get lucky yet. I have been in touch with two S4 guys in the last week, if I find Roger I will tell him to sign on to this website and let you know. I will also get the book , we spent many a night watching the cobras working out, always a good show!! One last thing about the movies I always brought Red Pistachio nuts to them, the next day the landscape was littered and everyone walked around with red fingers. My farther sent pounds of them, so everyone enjoyed them. For the parties I got the booze, I had OD Green Paint that was in short supply, and everyone need it. Stock worked the yard so he got the steaks, but I do not know were from, just enjoyed. I will try to scan a few pictures thi week to send to you Yahoo email. I live in New York, so make sure if your in the area to let me know also. I’ll be in touch with Yahoo then you will have my email address. Jim
Anyone remember TERRY WHALEY or Craig Morton ?? How about MICKY EVELAND??
My father Harry Wade was in the 162nd Avn Co. Vultures in Phuoc Vinh, awesome to see pictures and hear stories from people that were there.
Willie Singleton
Dec 15, 2014
Was with B 1/2 Inf from Jan 1966 to Jan 1967 Phuoc Vinh, 1Sgt Gavin was B Company 1Sgt
Welcome Home Willie…
Willie,
My Uncle Ron Downs was in 1/28 A Co.
He lost his best friend, Bobby Erickson on Friday the 13th
January 1967 in Opertation Cedar Falls. Our own artillery I’m told.
Not sure if you remember them?
Thank you for your service.
Great site! I was with A company 13th Signal battalion, Mar 69/70 in Phouc Vinh.
Welcome Home Larry…
I was 36th signal jul69/aug70
Looking for anyone who remembers a Curtis Wilson, SP4, served in the 3rd Battalion 187th Infantry Bravo Co. from 20 Nov 70 – 19 Nov 71.
Can anyone tell me if the 229th supply and service company was at Phuoc Vihn the first half of 1967. Anyone familiar with a First Sgt. Andrew “Jack” Dawson? Thank You
Does anyone have any pictures of me going out on ambush patrols. I am Tom Ferrington nickname Boat. 31st Engineer Battalion ’67-’68 HHC., came over on the USN Barret troop ship. I’m pretty sure I went out with Sgt Browns squad. I have a picture of Sgt Mock s squad if any one would like it.
Hi Tom Stan Edington here. Sorry no pics but it’s good to hear from you. Do you still have your Mustang?
Hey Stan. I still have my ’70 Mach 1going on 20 yrs now. Take care brother.
I’m having a reunion with 3 other air traffic controllers who served with me in PV coming up in April. Should be fun. We’ve gotten together about 4 times over the last 15 years. On another note, our Mustang Club is having a show in Danville at the end of June. Love to see you. Let me know and I’ll send some details.
Stan
Have you joined the 31st engr. Facebook page ? We also have a website and have a reunion this fall in San Antonio.
My father (Thomas Steven Journey) was a mp 1st platoon 545th at Phouc Vinh. If anyone has pictures or information they could share I would love to see/hear them.
Here’s a little bit more about the “War is hell” photo taken at Phuoc Vinh. http://the60sat50.blogspot.com/2015/06/friday-june-18-1965-war-is-hell.html
595 com center July 69 August 70
Welcome Home Fred…
Fred:
Richard Cortright here. I was with 595th same time you were. Did we know each other? I remember your name but can’t place it. I just found you in my unit history book we made up and you’re in it. You were a PFC then. The book doesn’t have all the pictures and it’s not arranged by platoons. I was a part of the PCM radio equipment that was just deployed to Nam. It was the first solid state electronic circuity. Other than the occasional mortar or rocket attack, Phuoc Vinh wasn’t too bad. I was bitten by a rat one night, you remember how big those rats were, so I had to take the rabies vaccine which involved several shots given in a certain sequence. That was fun. Message if you can. Hope you’re well and still kickin’. See you later. Richard
Yes. Worked the com center 13months.Stayed in the hootch closes to the pow camp.I remember one big mortar attack feb of 70.
Wow, didn’t remember there being a POW camp there.
Gary – Sent from my iPad
>
Yes camp was a across from hootch,when you stood on top of hootch you could see the gooks.They would bring them in with sand bags over their heads.
I was not aware of the POW camp either. HHC 11th CAG. Or maybe I just forgot about it.
I was there MAR 69 thru Mar 70
13th signal battalion , comcenter
along with Mike Schlemer , Doyle Dow & Larry Thrash
Last year we had a 50th year reunion
I have a lot of pictures and names
I was in PV ’70-’71 as a 1st Air Cav JAG Court Reporter, one of only two stenotype machine operators in Phuoc Vinh. Col. Conboy was my CO. I was flown all over South Vietnam on various reporting duties, 25 “combat” flights, usually just myself and the pilots, one flight in a Loach. Got to San Fran, was pulled out and asked to reup, said they would make me a Warrant Officer. I turned it down. Worked as a court reporter for 38 years.
On Sun, Mar 29, 2020, 10:43 AM My Vietnam Experience wrote:
> wayne a sot commented: “I was there MAR 69 thru Mar 70 13th signal > battalion , comcenter along with Mike Schlemer , Doyle Dow & Larry Thrash > Last year we had a 50th year reunion I have a lot of pictures and names” >
I WAS WITH 11TH AVN GP. FROM APR. 69 THROUGH APR 70 I WAS ON THE GREEN LINE ISSUING WEAPONS
Welcome Home Wade…
Hey Wade!
I was ATC with 11th AVN GP 12/68 – 12/69… I recall your name… but can’t recall your face… Welcome home guy.
2/20 Company B, Phuoc Vinh (Blue Max) 45J20 Armament.
I remember lots of incoming there. Also while i was there I ran into other guys from my home town of Berkley,Michigan (population 20,000).
Owen O.J. Tomlinson 75th Rangers, Rob Paddock 1st Cav and can’t remember unit, Bruce Allen Engineering unit 1st Cav & Nick Willamero 1st Cav attached to the 7th I think, Nick was a sniper. I also went to the 229th as a door gunner and ran into others guys from my home town. Small world.
Does anyone remember any of these guys. I might of not spelled all the names correct. Thanks and take care friends.
Welcome Home Earl…
Thanks for the site.
Looked thru pictures. Looking for some in HHC 8th Eng Battalion 1st Cav. May 1970-April 1971
John
magnum1425@charter.net
John,
I was with HHC 8th Engineers at the same time as you.
David Pettengill
Hey John,
Can you describe where your hooch was. I was HHC 8th Engineers during that time. What section did you work for S1, S2 etc.?
I just could hardly abandon your website in advance of . DAU THU KY THUAT SO TAI BINH DUONG advising that we very enjoyed the standard details an individual deliver inside your friends? Is usually going to be back again regularly to check innovative blogposts
Looking or any info for my cousins late Husband. Gerald St. Marie, assigned to the 595th Signal Company in Vietnam January 1967 he left the country. Any info for his widow would be appreciated. By the way, Semper Fi to all of my Vietnam brothers and sisters.
Just Made contact with Larry Frostman first time since 1969 loved the phone call brother, would like to hear from from any of the other guys in Heavy Equip C.Co 31st Engr. that was there 69 and 70 SP/5 Chester H Robinson Jr (Robby)
Chester I was with them in the motor pool for about 4 months. June – Sept. 70. Then I went to the 557th as I was a crane operator anyways. We worked with the 31st. on and off till I left in 72. Remember the Bailey bridge we put in the Song Be river just south of BuDop?
I was there when we made the first convoy to Song Be all the road had grown up we cleared the road and made the first convoy, the convoy was so long that the start reached Song Be before the tail left Phuc Vinh.
we also lost the new 10 ton tractor it locked up and under fire we had to leave it and on the way back it was painted yellow and sitting in the saw mill
I remember you Dave we had 2 crane operators and we sat the 70 ft guard towers remember those good talking to you,stay in touch
Welcome Home Robby…
That time with the 31st was pretty rough for me. When I got to BuDop no one would talk to me. I was almost shot at the end of the airstrip and again in the convoy leaving there. Had claymores turned around on me. No one would let me ride with them out, ended up in the back of a dump truck. When we did the bridge on the Song Be river, we spent the night up the road. They pulled the perimeter in and left me on the outside in an attempt to kill me. This went on for 4-5 months. Finally I found out that a new company “clerk” had turned in two guys for smoking pot in Song Be. He was sent to the rear in PV. I arrived, got the job of motor pool “clerk” and was sent to BuDop. So it was ASSUMED that I was the “clerk” that turned the guys in when we stopped in SB to get mail on the way up. Once the truth was found out, guys admitted to the attempts to kill me. Rough times. Once I found out I transferred to the 557 as I was kind of pissed off.
i was a co. 31st. 68 69 operated d7 with armored cab over it.. gary..gphdmsu@aol.com
Welcome Home Gary…
Hay Robby I just got turned onto this site last montha little late right.I was with Company C31st Eng 69-70 I operated one of the D-7’s along with Garcia we worked on the air strip were you there when we went on strike and walked over to headquarters at night demanding to see the colonel. what a trip hope all is well my brother.
Hey guys. I was in Avionics next to C Trp 1/9. I was with 15th TC bttn. March 69-Jan 70. Out.
Robby what did you do with the 31st were you with us at the motor pool by the air strip?
My dad was in Phuoc Vinh in 65-66.. He was a medic most men called him little Doc.. (Donnie Dodson) Does any of you remember him? I’m trying to find some old buddies of his.. Please if you remember him let me know.. Thank you!! Also a huge THANK YOU to all who served past, present and future!!
He was… 1st bn 28th inf. 1st div.
My dad was stationed at Phuoc Vinh in 1965-1966 as a medic.. His name is Donnie Dodson but most people knew him as Little Doc.. Please if you served with him reply to me I would love for him to be able to reconnect with some old buddies.. Thank you to all military service men and women past, present and future!!
I don’t see much here from the air crews either. I was a gunner/chief on slick 452 with B co 227 AHB 1st Cav in 70-71
I don’t see much here either. C/227 AHB Jun 69 to Dec 70, Gunner/chief. C co was next to B co, not A co. I’ll have to figure out how to scan to email as I have many pics, too.
I believe this thread is infiltrated by wannabe pot head
Jack: To whom are you referring too? If it was my post, anyone from June to Sept. 70 in the 31st would know me and my hooch mate, Charlie Knight. Charlie was black as the ace of spades, 6 footish, skinny, from Miami Fl., one son and worked aside me in the motor pool and was my only hooch mate while there. He wore a shark tooth necklace until August when he was told to remove it by a general as well as my peace symbol necklace. He was a witness to the whole admittance of the actions of the guys. The company clerk was beat up the following night with 2 black eyes. Some of the guys might remember that happening too.
Not your post. no offence. Sorryif i offended you
No you did not Jack. Was just wondering. All of crap happened over there. When I was interviewed for my PTSD the psychologist shook his head as I had pictures of every base and happening that went on over there. The only picture I have of the 31st was of Charlie Knight.I was lucky and got 70%. My Vet Center counselor said I should of gotten higher. Gee I didn’t think I was that bad. 🙂 Peace brother.
Is their anyone out there who is planning a trip back to Phuoc Vinh?
I was back in Viet Nam several times, while working in S.E.Asia. In 1994 one could not go near to the place (Phouc Vinh) for some reason never explained by our “minders”. Maybe now. Although the Russians and Bulgarians stripped the forests bare for many square miles around the area. I was in A Co., 1/26th Infantry, 1st ID from October 1, 1966 to October 1, 1967
Can’t tell you the memories this brings back to me! I was a crew chief with the 15th Medical Bn (Medevac) and the pics of the downed birds brought back a lot of memories as we were the ones that picked up the survivors and remains from those incidents. LOVED the photos of the compound. Thanks so much!
Welcome Home Rick…
My dad was in Phuoc Vinh in 65-66.. He was a medic most men called him little Doc.. (Donnie Dodson) Does any of you remember him? I’m trying to find some old buddies of his.. Please if you remember him let me know.. Thank you!! Also a huge THANK YOU to all who served past, present and future!! He was… 1st bn 28th inf. 1st div.
Reply
My uncle Ron served in A co from 66-67.
Ron Downs, He has since passed away but your dad might of served with him?
Good luck.
Joe here . Lima Platoon, A Co.,
1/26 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, : Oct. 1, 1966 – Oct. 1, 1967. Pfc to Sgt. E-5.
C 227 AHB 1969 1970
Hello All,
Not sure if this string of comments is still active or not, if anyone still reading or following this… so here’s a long shot…
Had anyone on here served or know someone who had served in the 1st Cavalry Division, 8th Engineer Battalion, Headquarters Company from ’67-’68?
Or more specifically, does anyone by chance know an Everett Smith in the service from around that time… served with him or perhaps even have picture(s) of him prior to his untimely death in Vietnam Sept ’68?
http://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=298758
Any leads or contacts would be greatly appreciated!
I hope you get a reply back…
I sure hope you find your buddy. Try Zaba Search.It is a web site that can help. It has limited info that is free and more extensive info for a fee. Alex J Hernandezalexjher@swbell.net
Glad I found this web site. My father was 1st Sgt Cecil Knight of the 31st Eng Batt 68-69. The picture put images to the stories he told.
I was in Vietnam at phuoc vinh in nov 1968 to nov 69 with 1st air cab 13th signal Btn. My name is jim belcher from Ohio Columbus area if you remember me please contact me .. I am now 67 and still live in central Ohio..have had a great life and I would not trade my experience in nam if given the chance ..even though I didn’t like all of it at the time! Jimbelcher77@gmail.com
Welcome Home Jim…
Belcher , this is SotBeen looking for you I have picturesHave been in contact with Dow , Thrash & SchlemerEmail me sumozilla@sbcglobal.net
Mike schlemer, 13th signal, 1st cav, phuoc vinh Vietnam, 69-70…call me at 618-973-2277….looking for old friends that were there..
Welcome Home Mike…
Just found this sight. Welcome home to all of you.
My husband Sal (Salvador) Silva, 1st of the 9th Air Cav, Troop D, 1969-1970. Anyone out there who served with him or were there at that time?
Jeannette
raisinbun@aol.com
Jeanette
I didn’t know your husband but I was at Phouc Vinh 69-70. Flew part time with C troop. Paul Adler 510-703-1820
After 47 years, I finally have the courage to re-read the letters my young husband wrote to me. He does mention Phouc Vinh in his letters.
3 years ago Sal lost his battle against ALS due to Agent Orange. It was devastating to lose him. This time he is not coming back.
Sal did not mention Nam very often.
I am stunned that there is so much info and photos on Nam on line.
I thank you so much for your reply and I hope you are okay.
Welcome home.
Jeannette
I was with the 371st RR Co in Phuoc Vinh, Jan 69 – Jan 70. We intercepted VC/NVA Morse code transmissions from a Huey and located their position. Often worked with 1st of the 9th hunter killer teams to bring in the heat!
Welcome Home Tom…
I just stumbled onto to this page … I was at Phouc Vinh for last eight months of my tour: B Batty, 2nd/20th ARA 1st Cavalry Div (AIR), ’69-’70; Probably one of the few RA’s to do combat air runs in a gun ship (weapons control).
First five months I spent between Ahn Khe (before the final move) and Cu Che Provence, as far south as Nui Ba Den, lots of time on the ground too.
I was at LZ Buttons as well.
Thanks for these photo’s and the many contributions.
WELCOME HOME.
Peace.
RonBrown
Welcome Home Ron…
I was an air traffic controller with the 1st Air Cav, HQ-HQ-CO 11th Aviation Group (Dec. ’68 to Dec. ’69) … spent a third of my tour out on LZ’s/FB’s with a radar unit… getting the shit scared out of me.
Ciao
Hi Terry:
I can’t recall what you look like, but I would have been waving goodbye as you flew out. I was assigned to Twr ATC from OCT69-70. Also had a short TDY to the 11th Pathfinders out of Tay Ninh during the Cambodian Offensive….but, boy was I OVERJOYED to get back into my sedate tower stool!!! Eventually became a Team Leader.
Sorry I don’t remember meeting you David…
By Oct of ’69 I was devoted to keeping as low a profile as possible and staying out of harms way… which I’m sure you can appreciate.
I spent quite a bit of time away from PV… setting up radar sites on LZ’s & FB’s… My primary “hat” was GCA supervisor, but I also enjoyed refereeing the bee-hive working “Local” in the Tower from time to time… which is where I truly learned how to “control” aircraft…
I joined the FAA after the Army… made it to the top of the profession @ DFW Tower/TRACON… burned out at the age of 34 and wound up transferring to ASE, where I’d have likely retired if it hadn’t of been for the PATCO strike, (WHICH I FULLY SUPPORTED)… and in fact was one of the 77 PATCO officials in the US who were indicted as a result of the strike. Luckily, the Federal District Judge (Kane) in Denver, dismissed the charges against me (and the other 5 PATCO officials in Colorado who were also indicted) as a result of “selective prosecution” by the DOJ.
Last time I talked to an aircraft was on 8/2/81… still miss the hell out of it!
Ciao
Not sure how this got to me. To Ciao: The reason I’m responding to your link about becoming an ATC after Vietnam. I worked with a guy who was a zapper at the DMZ. He survived some really hairy, super dangerous missions into North Vietnam on “Special” assignments. I met him after the war as we both ended up working for a local manufacturing company. He didn’t talk about his experiences a lot. After Vietnam he became a civilian ATC. He, along with a lot of other ATC’s were fired by Pres. Reagan, that’s how he ended up working in this plant. Talk about somebody who was a bitter and angry because of being fired, he was it. He was the only person I personally knew that I never turned my back on. He was always wound as tight as a spring and could snap at any time. As far as I know, he never snapped, but, knowing what I knew about him, if he ever did snap, you would have been dead in seconds, no weapons needed. He was a great guy, but, did he ever have MAJOR psych issues. So many of these ATC were veterans and all were treated like shit, or worse. GOOD LUCK and stay safe.
________________________________
I’m looking for any air traffic controllers who might have known Lenny Tippets who was a controller at Phouc Vinh from Sept. ’69 until May ’70 with HHC, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Air Cav. Lenny was my best friend while at ATC school (Keesler) and also when we trained at Ft. Rucker. Today (5/7/20) is the 50th anniversary of his death at FSB Jay where he had gone to work as a radar controller during the Cambodian invasion. I was GCA chief at Long Thanh North when he was killed. Please contact me if you new Lenny, jbmacinnis@yahoo.com
Hi John…
Sorry, but I don’t recall Lenny… As I spent about a third of my tour setting up remote radar sites on LZ’s/FB’s in the Cav’s AO, I’m guessing we were both out in the boonies @ different locations and just never bumped into each other.
Sorry…
Ciao
Ron Brown, I was also with B 2/20th during the same time period.I came in country at An Khe and then went to Cu Chi before being sent out to Bravo 2/20 at Phouc Vihn.I extended for a second tour and sent most of my second tour out on FSB Snuffy
I was in the HHC 11th CAG TOC April 70-71.
Welcome Home Bob…
need names , phone #’s , emails , pics from anyone with 13th signal batt69 – 70 phouc vinhsumozilla@sbcglobal.net
I was there July 1969 to August 70.595 com center
Welcome Home Fred…
thibodeau , email me sumozilla@sbcglobal.net
I am glad to see Lt. Diaz survived Vietnam we were both wounded on 17 May 1970 in Cambodia. I was an RTO Sp4 then ended up Commo Sgt C Co. 31st Engineers. Also Jim Rice, Lonnie Jackson, Lewis Milan C co. and Gary Mason B Company. There were also many 62nd Engineers on the orders. Was in Phouc Vinh once took incoming, spent a couple months at Quan Loi lots of incoming.
Great site. Radar on the tower picked up people not incoming. The arty radar was on the other side of the runway by the control tower till they moved us south 2klicks. In the boonies. I worked both radars. 273 radar det. Divarty
Thank you! Welcome Home Harry…
Great site I was at Phouc vinh april 69 to Oct. 69 with 610 Maint Bn.
Welcome Home Donald…
I was with 11avn. gp. from apr 69 apr 70 i worked on the perimeter green line issuing weapons
I was with the 371st RR at phuc vinh and quan loi,69-71, I remember our
left bank chopper being shot down and jimmy simth and henry Hyde being killed along with the two pilots
Welcome Home Larry…
mike keller:
I was in phuoc vinh july 69 until Christmas. 2/19th artillery 1st cav. we were in a 6 gun “star” formation 105 mm howitzers right on the perimeter near a dirt road….quite far from the perforated steel planking air strip. we regularly went out on raids with 2 guns to a small 2 gun base of arvins called romagun according to old letters I found. a tank and gun truck accompanied us out if we weren’t choppered. a cobra outfit was just down the road from us, “blue max” as I recall.
Welcome Home Michael…
So you are the guys that kept me awake at night…I was in that Cobra unit.
I got to this resort just before Christmas 1970. Those howitzers would return fire very quickly in response to incoming.
Like your site. That’s my Blue Max Cobra with all the shrapnel holes. A 107 rocket landed about 10′ away on the open side of the revetment. It was #67-15516 that was badly wounded but was repaired and sent back to B Battery 2/20 ARA (Aerial Rocket Artillery) of the 1st Air Cav.(my old unit). The 48 was for 48 platoon and the red square was for B Battery. I crewed her from Aug 68 till its damage in June 69. Got a new bird 68-15110 and it’s now located outside the American Legion in New Hartford NY. Went by to see it summer of 2015. Bye the way one of the pics is a reverse image as the front seat opened on the left side (the major damage side) and the rear seat was on the right side. Was great to see it as I didn’t get any great pics.
Welcome Home Jim…
Hey Jim,
I was a controller @ PV – Tower & GCA Supervisor (12/68 – 12/69)
No doubt we exchanged some “chatter” back them. What was your call sign? Blue Max ???
Hard to believe it’s been 47 years since putting on an air show there… time’s a flying?
Welcome home Jim – God Speed!
Terry Maxton
I flew 110 during my tour in 70-71. She went north to reinforce the 101st when they were getting their ass kicked during Lam Son 719 in February/March 71.
110 was named “Hawaii 50” though no one remembered why. Glad to see she made it back.
Blue Max 48 Hotel.
Welcome Home John…
I was a Wrecker Operator for the 1/28th running convoys throughout Vietnam.. I spent a lot of time working on that airfield. Used my wrecker to load Air force pallets with Ammo for the field..then I’d hook to the Chinooks for the field..1968
Welcome Home Chuck…
my name is gary camp I am looing for grant shaw and gary butler they are looking for me also I have joined this site sorry I am not to good with computers my e mail Is camp gary underscore @sbcglobal.net I was with you both at phouc vihn 1970 l971 thanks
hey gary butler give me a call 417 862 7587 I don’t do email very well thanks gary camp
hey gary butler I’m still trying to get ahold of you I would love to talk to you give me a phone call 417 862 7587
Flew in to PV several times hauling commo gear. I was with the 595th Sig at DiAn. Enjoyed the pictures. Thanks.
Welcome Home Dick…
My name is Angela and I have been reading your blog about Vietnam, and your time in service. Welcome home. My father, Travis R. Parker, was an air traffic controller and was stationed in Phuoc Vinh 1969 and 1970. He passed away Feb 2016. I am his only child and he kept most of his military service life from me. I would like to know more about who my dad was and I’m looking to find anyone who might have known him. Any ideas on where I should begin?
This is pretty much all I know so far:
Assigned: 1st CAV DIV, Phouc Vinh, Central Highlands,
S Vietnam. ATC, patrols, w/ drops to remote landing sites to land incoming troops.
This is a good place to start looking – Good luck…
Commented as a sub-reply above, but thought I’d leave my own comment.
Just found a photograph of my Pappap, Alvin Jones, that states that he was in this area in Aug ’68. Specifically on the Song Be River is where the photograph was taken. He was in the 1/26 Infantry. Would have been about 48/49 in ’68, so not sure what rank he was then. Just – wondering if any of you remembered him. ❤ He passed away yesterday and saw the photo and started researching. Thank you all for your service and Welcome Home. If any of you remember him or have any stories, I’d love to hear them and share with the family. The pictures you have here are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.
I was at Phouc Vinh from Feb.1970 til Dec 1970 with Sup Co.4th forward 15th S&S Bn 1st Cav. I worked at the 2-4 yard, and then in POL refueling choppers at both the new, and old points. I pulled guard duty at the bunker right across from the Catholic church in the sector ran by Skybeaver 8th Eng. It has been interesting to read the posts here, and I want to thank all of you that did the work outside the wire. As a REMF we tried to make sure you had everything you needed.
HI Larry!! Welcome Home!! …. Do you recall when a chinook flipped over on POL ?? it was early … like 04:00 or 04:30 I was on the early Maint. team that morning when we heard the rotor blades slapping the asphalt then KABOOOM!! Not much left of that bird when it was all over. I still have some photos somewhere.
I recall that incident. If you can locate those photos, I would like to share them here…
I will look for the photos. Good excuse to dig them out and go thru them. I have been meaning to do that for a while now.
CAT, I just now came back, and saw your post. If I’m right, the Chinook crash you’re talking about happened 22Dec ’70, after I had left. A friend of mine, that was still there, sent me a picture of the burned up Chinook. Everyone made it out ok.
Welcome Home Larry…
I remember the night the rocket went thru the hanger by the airfield,I was on guard duty that night
I was not there for that but I remember asking about the hole and was told the story by one of the guys that were there.
There were many rockets that hit the hangers at Phouc Vinh in 69-70 when I was there. Somewhere I have pics of all the holes in the hanger used by Blue Max and of the ones that missed the hanger and hit the 1/9th and the 75th Rangers behind the hanger.
I was assigned to the 595th commcenter July 69/august70.will never forget all the incoming we would get,Day and night
Fred, I was in Phuoc Vihn July-Dec. 69. I was a PCM operator/repairman. I don’t remember you. Do I ring any bells with you?? Spc. Richard Cortright
Sorry Richard don’t recall your name,were you in the same row of hoot ches as I was?We were in the first hootch right across from the POW holding area and across from the bar.
I saw there 67 left in November
Sent from my iPhone
>
When I first got there I was in the same hootch the 1st Sgt. was in, he was SSG Curtis James, a black guy. He was real strack, he wanted everything by the book, polished boots, the whole ten yards, I was right across the center aisle from him. Then one night someone rolled a hand grenade under his bunk, lucky for me & him, it was a dud, it was a Chinese grenade. I moved out of there that night and crashed in the EM hootch, I don’t remember which one, but it was right across from the POW.
OUr place as pretty laid back.We did our 12 on 12 off seven days a week at the com center.Pulled guard duty about twice a month,was the n duty that night the hanger was hit putting a hole in the back of it.WAs there when the three guys coming from the 595th from Lhe khe got ambushed.They show the truck in the compound few holes in it.They found one guy buried near the scene and the locals said they saw the other two being taken away by the VC.Never did find them
I was in phuoc vinh A company 1st 26th march1966 march 1967 rto for morter plt leader then capt
Lima Platoon, A Co., 1/26th Infantry, 1st ID – Phouc Vinh: Oct. 1, 1966 to Oct. 1, 1967. All day long.
Welcome home Joe I was in Phouc Vin 1965 and 1966. I was with the 6th of the 27th Battery C. We worked on the 175 Howitzer. Jim Kuertz
On Sun, May 29, 2022 at 7:21 AM My Vietnam Experience < comment-reply@wordpress.com> wrote:
Ha! Joe i was in 2nd platoon A Co. 1/26th Mar. 66 – Feb. 67 Sgt. Sperry was my platoon Sgt.
Nice picture of the SB-22 Switchboard and the TA-312 Field Phone. The USAF (621st Tactical Control Squadron) was still using these in Korea, 1977-1979.
I was in Phuoc Vinh in the 595th Signal Company, White Platoon to support the #rd Brigade, 101 Airborne Division. I remember the mess hall being set on fire by us since the food was rancid half the time. Until the new mess hall was built, the C and K rations we got was better than the food from the mess hall. Remember constant mortars almost every night. Ho Chi Mihn died on Sept. 2 of 69. That night was unusually quiet. BUT, the next night the gooks threw everything they had at us, that’s the night a lot of the other posters are talking about. Me and several of my pals got injured from diving into bunkers, our immediate area got plastered. Will post more later. Like a lot of other posters, a lot of good and BAD memories. The best part was your buddies along side of you. If it wasn’t for us looking out for each other, a lot of us wouldn’t have survived Vietnam, or the years since then. Thank you to my buddies and pals. Hope all are well. Hope to hear from fellow comrades. God bless all who served.
Yes I remember many times running for cover.One morning on guard duty we watched as a gook set up a mortar on the line ,sure enough he fired it over our heads land near air strip,he was gone the minute it left the tube
thanks to all who put and keep this site going my name is gary camp phouc vihn 70 71 some of uss from the 31st have been able to unite again after alot of years I am still looking for charles or chuck grimes from philadelphia pa I was with him the night he got hit and was medivaced out any help appreciated
Fred: I wouldn’t doubt if I was in your hootch, spent most off time in the EM club trying to stay stoned. I had a rat, and you know how big they were, fall out of the rafters right onto my chest, then scampered right over my face. Just rolled over and went back to sleep. SUCH FUN!!
I remember the rats .Used to sleep with poncho liner over my head.Remember one night Joe Magowan was going to shoot one that was in between the two notches in the bunker we used to run to.He chickened out tho.Remember a guy named Calvin Lewis?Hes the one in the commenter that wrote the song when a man loves a woman.
I remember the rats,used to sleep with poncho liner over my head
I was on the other side of the base with C/227th Ahb.
The hueys. From Jul 69 to Dec 70. Let me tell you didn’t have all the rats. Every night you could hear the rats running between the sand bags and the hooch.
I was the last of 3 to get the rabies series. A rat tried to chew my finger off when I fell asleep with my hand blocking a knot hole in the boards next to the sand bags. Everyone after me got just a tennis shot and “observation”.
I was in the same area and had the rats too. With HHC 11th CAG in the TOC May 70-71.
Was Calvin a black guy? If he is I remember him, never knew about the song, beautiful song. Did he write other known songs?? About the rats, I got totally plastered at the EM club, more than usual. Poured myself into bed. Woke up sometime in the night and thought I was dreaming about rats chewing on my foot. Turns out it wasn’t a dream. Had to get the rabies shots, that hurt a lot more than the rats did. EVEN MORE FUN!!
Yes Calvin was black guy.Talk about small world few years ago my daughter was sitting in a surgery and his name came up.She asked him if he was in Vietnam with a fred Thibodeau and he said yes,mind you this is some thirty years after getting out.Anyway that night me and the wife went and saw him in the hospital.We later had dinner at red lobster with him and his wife.He lived in Texas when discharged and moved to Gary Indiana where he lives now.I live in next town not far away.He went to writing gospel songs and was big into church.
Sounds like his life turned out pretty good, happy for him. Are there any other Phuoc Vihn 595 comrades you’ve contacted or have info on? If you do, I’d like to see if any of them were a buddy of mine so I can give a shout out. Thanks
Off top of my head can’t really come up with any names but maybe if I take a look at my going on 50 year old scrap book I’ll come up with a name or two.One person I did see on this blog was Joe McGowan don’t know if you knew him or not.Another name that rings a bell was Larry Matteo from PA I think.
I was with the 595 Sig at DiAn in 67-68. Ferried commo/crypot gear to PV several times. You might connect with other 595 folks on Facebook. Look for the group:
595th Signal Co. Republic of Viet Nam.
Regards,
SP4 Dick Litchfield, 72B
I was a pilot with E Btry 82nd FA at Phuoc Vinh. The E/82 hooches at Phuoc Vinh were wood structures built on concrete slabs. There were hundreds of rats living in tunnels under the slab. (Rats were pretty common. The open air meat stall in the village had skinned rats for sale piled up in a pyramid like oranges in a stateside fruit stand.) At night the rats would patrol inside our hooch for dropped food or improperly stored goodies. One of their routes went along the wall that I slept next to. If I would toss in my sleep and end up against the wall, the rats would run along my body to get where they were going. At first it would creep me out, but I got used to it and slept through it. One time, at breakfast, a rat was running along a ceiling joist in the mess hall when a crew chief, tired of seeing this happen, pulled his pistol out and shot up at it. Boy, was the cook angry!
One late night I came back from the club and quietly came back into my room so as to not wake up my room mate, WO Charles Abe. As I stepped in, I startled a rat which jumped on my leg and climbed right up….INSIDE of my pants! I started to jump up and down, screaming and hollering, frantically trying to brush the rat down and off my leg, but my pants over the rat prevented this. It would only go down a little, then continue scrambling up by digging his claws on the inside of my thigh. By now I was fearing that it would reach my jewels. Fortunately, it finally ran down and out. By this time, the whole hooch had awakened and had gathered around to watch and laugh at my predicament. I pulled my pants down to see the damage and saw numerous scratches inside my leg. By now, there was a lot of hooting and hollering, people had come pouring of other hooches, and crowd of over fifty people hustled me over to the flight surgeon’s, chanting something about rabies shots. The flight surgeon kind of brushed it off, saying I didn’t need shots. He just swabbed the area down and said I was good to go. This disappointed the crowd, but I was sure glad that I dodged a series of twenty or more shots in the belly. .
We had dogs that helped a lot.
Ha! Carl I was there from 66-68 A co. 1/26th infantry just wondering if there is any one still alive from that period hope some of us are still here. Thanks! Mr. Carl
I was with HQC 26 or 27 th Heavy Arty 66 part of 67 the to Quan Loi til Nov 10 67 A battery 27th Arty 8 “ Howitzers 175 MM GUNS
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Marvin this is unbelievable my outfit was there watching a movie and one of the 175s had a fire mission and blew the movie screen down and scared crap out of everyone there WOW! Sorry can’t remember the date but, I know it was in 67 Stay well. T J
Best wishes to you on this 4th of July .. remember the celebration in camp small arms fire from GI ‘s
Hi Tom. I was there in ’70 and ’71. The group for our unit is dwindling rapidly. If they are not dying off, they are getting dementia! Some events are clear in my my mind, but others are completely fuzzy or totally forgotten. I wish, now, that I had kept a journal.
I’m totally with you on that point but, as time went on I couldn’t wait to runaway from that Hell Hole before I lost my life. Stay well. T J
Albert Griffin – I was in Phouc Vinh in ‘67-‘68 with 162nd Assault Helicopters “Copperheads”
Looking for crew chiefs on the “160” helicopter gun ship.
Hi Albert, I was the detachment clerk of the 407th TC Detachment to the 162nd. The nickname was the “Vultures” as I recall. Maybe they called the gunships the Copperheads? I was there September 67 to September 68.
Phil Edmunds
I was in C CO 227 AHB 7/4/69 to 7/7/70
Your name is so very familiar. Were you in tech supply? I had 398 and later after r&r 466. My hometown buddy, Marc Fowler, found out where I was stationed, and transferred in. He was company clerk for about 4 months. I taught and mentored him into a crew chief spot. He got 411.
Lima Platoon, A Co., 1/26th Infantry from Oct. 1, 1966 to Oct. 1, 1967. Recall Captain Eggersdorfer as Company CO. And Lt. Col. Haig as Battalion CO.
I haven’t been back to this web site for 10 months or so. Started re-reading the posts from the first entry and just now finished. The one thing I read or saw here is everyone speaks of DUTY, LOYALTY, COMRADESHIP. We all say the same things in different ways. Vietnam affected ALL of us, as any war would have. But we know the burdens we carried every day while in harms way, and the dedication we had to our nation, our unit and EACH OTHER. In a lot of ways I was lucky. All of us were scared then, one way or the other. Some times you can hide from the boggie man, but, be he’ll find you sooner or later. Veteran’s Day is coming up Nov. 11. As we remember our comrades, let’s all think about all the wars we as a nation has been involved with. The patriots who fought in those ‘conflicts’ deserve the same remembrance and honor as we share here. War is hell no matter where or when you become a part of it. God bless each and every veteran.
Well said Trooper…
It’s been just short of 50 years since I left Phuoc Vinh… I was an Air Traffic Controller (11th Aviation Group, HQ, Company) and worked in the Tower AND supervised the GCA Radar unit located beneath the tower and closer to the runway & the Jet Fuel farm. I also spent about a third of my tour setting up and operating ATC radar units on several LZ’S.
If any other controllers happen to stumble onto this site, give me a shout. I was @ PV from Dec. ’68 – Dec. 69.
Hi Terry,
I was with the Army. Ist Cav., 8th engineers at Phuoc Vinh 70-71.
Dave
Welcome home Terry. I was in the 11th CAG TOC May ’70-May ’71. Unit moved to Da Nang when I was two weeks short so with nothing to do several of us just spent time on the beach.
Hey Terry, remember watching the moon landing at 4:00 in the morn ing on that little 4” black and white. You are the first person. I have run. Across from the old unit. Bill
I lived and worked a radio rig right at the foot of the tower in late 1970 and 1971. 504th signal detachment.
Bill…
Man oh man!
I am so glad to hear from you!
it’s impossible to convey how many times I’ve wondered about how and where you and Baldi and Ellsworth were.
We must catch up… my email is tmaxton@protonmail.com.
Please write soon!
I was in Phouc Vinh 69 to 70 and was ATC. However in the Army way I was placed with 1/9 HHT as a RTO working in S3 in the TOC.
My last day in the Nam was 12/12/69… hard to believe that was 50 years & 9 days ago! Welcome home troop!
I was a Bird Dog pilot and did a lot of night flying on mortar watch. I had to be in the air, circling the base, or on alert. So, I spent a lot of time with the only people working all night in the runway environment: the tower folks or the GCA operator. I remember climbing up through the hatch up onto the roof of the tower and enjoying the view and nightime air. There was very little night time air traffic. I shot GCA approaches for fun and only had to do a real one. That was at Than Son Nhut in very low visibility. They brought me down right on the numbers. (The only navaid in the O-1 was a radio direction finder.) I was there 3-70 to 3-71.
I was behind my motor pool 31st engineers company C working on my D7 bulldozer when I saw the Tiger that the First Cav brought onto the airfield
anybody out their from the 31st engineers working on the air field when we tore up the air field 1969 phuc vihn
I saw a post from Harold Robinson I was working on the airstrip with company C31st eng at the same time D-7 operator 69-70 Phuoc Vinh.
David – Did you know two guys in the 8th Engineers named Levitz and Guest? We were all escapees from the Engineer NCO School at Fort Leonard Wood and came over to Vietnam on the same plane in March of 1970. We were assigned to HHC 8th Engineers on arrival but I got reassigned to HHB Divarty (still not sure why!) and lost touch with them. I used to wonder what became of them.
Sorry … I did not know these two gents. But I was there with them … same time. I too am having trouble locating people.
Hay Lt. Ralph Diaz company C 31st Engineers Do you remember Me Don Tinucci Me and Garcia ran the Two Bulldozers on the Phuc Vhin airstrip operation, areyou still on this site ?????
Dick Litchfield I was in Phuc Vinh from April, 70 to Dec, 70. Was with 595th Signal Co. I remember I knew you back then, but, I can’t remember what for. Also I remember Wayne Descillas. I bunked with the NCO’s when I first got there. A month or two later, after I went to bed one night, there was this big commotion and yelling, lights, everything. Our company 1st Sgt.Curtis James slept across the hall from my room. On this night someone, (oh my gracious, who could it be), 1st Sgt. James had a hand grenade rolled under his bunk. The fact they everyone in that section of the houch still alive was very happy the grenade was a dud, was second only to my appreciation that the perpetrators fucked up, they used a Chinese grenade.
BUT, it wasn’t too hard for me to figure out who was the intended target. Right there and then, I through all my stuff into my bags and hauled over to the em’s houch. It didn’t take much to understand what was going on, he had been to strack soldier and expected everyone to be that way too. Whether sarg got the message or not, I didn’t care. But, I did, I figured out it was dangerous to be anywhere near our 1st. Sgt. I spent the rest of my tour in the em’s houch and bar. Much more entertaining, and nice and safe too.
Richard Cortright
Fuck that shit.
Did anyone know Jackie Swink from Liberal, Kansas he was in the 557th Engineer Company 1969
Was he there in 1970 ?
Lots of comments in here about being in NAM. How about some stories about ‘coming home’ from war? I left NAM in Dec. 69. I flew to Anchorage on a military flight which was supposed to go all the way to Dover, Del which would have made it easy for my dad to pick me up. When we got to anchorage, there was another plane heading to NAM with a priority cargo and had engine problems. They commandeered the plane I was on. I could have waited for another free military ride coming through but didn’t want to waste my leave time. So, I called my dad, asked if he could send me some money via western union, and he did. My first stop was Seattle were I had to change planes. I’m in my jungle fatigues as I’m walking down a ramp to another section of the airport, it’s 3 AM, middle of the night, hardly anyone around. As I was along a couple is going the other way when the guy walks up to me, calls me a baby killer and spits in my face. I was so stunned I just stood there as he walked away. I should have killed the bastard, but, that was the way it was back then. I’m sure you remember. I’ve carried that moment with me to this very day, I’ll never forget it. Am I bitter? Damn right I am, that’s the main reason I developed PTSD which I’ve struggled with all of my life. OH, and by the way, the cargo being flown back to the states on the plane out of NAM? The entire plane was filled with ‘bodily remains of: fill……….. in the name. Made me think long and hard about what the fuck we were doing in NAM in the first place.
Yes to this day still have trouble in crowds.First came home in 70 saw psychiatrist for months.Always have to be facing an exit on restaurants and theaters.Have to sit back row in church.Seems like I have to give Alot of thought before doing outside of home to go to functions.
Me too
I also landed via the northern route- japan, anchorage, Seattle from nam on a charter dc9, in very late ’69. Stop in Seattle was for those with a destination west of Mississippi to disembark for connections. Rest of us east of Miss were allowed to stretch our legs in the airport, yes, still in 2-3 day old jungle fatigues, before continuing to New Jersey. Total time in air was 26 hours. Reception in Seattle was exactly similar, total disrespect, taunting, but, all 150 of us took the high road, we just came back from a war, survived, hardly the time to test us, provoke a reaction, and partook in a few beers. Sorry you don’t feel the same way but get over it, even after 50 years. Yup, sacrificing, your youthful years in a futile and costly mistake is documented history. I think about the experience daily but never look back, not with a beautiful redhead, 2 children and 9 grandkids. 58,000+ will never have the opportunity to respond to your post.
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mschwartz:
Almost all of us had similar experiences in Nam, but, most also had ‘other’ experiences. Flying home with about 125 dead GI’s as your companions for 14 hours gave you lots of time to wonder about the ‘what ifs’ in life we all experience. What if it was me? Or a really tight buddy? But, really all of us in uniform are close buddies. It’s hard to travel with 125 who will never smile again, nor kiss a loved one, or smile at their children and a million other things that would never happen. I think about those guys and the 58,000 who were somebody’s buddy. Some people can handle these kinds of events, some of us can’t. I wish I could wave that magic wand and make all of this go away. For some of us, it just doesn’t go away.
Brings back memories. 1/3 Air Cav, JAG.
Left HHC DEC. 10TH ’69 . Heard that all the steel got torn up and blacktop laid down .You can still see it on Google Earth. Welcome home !
Just found this site….was rto with an fo assigned to d troop,1/9 June 1969 to mid March 1970 at my 1 year anniversary …shammed 1 week…Liz Jay got hit….late march(?)…was on a 2 month extension…went out to guns day after jay got hit….was in phouc vinh with the 1/9 with a Capt. Mahoney(?),a lt.dana biehl,Bob Bozic…knew bob crosby who was killed in one of the “Ducks”….a big Indian went by Chief…and of course others i just can’t remember all there names…..Larry white,….supply I think….from Texas….Sammy Ray an rto in the TOC from CALIFORNIA…..Dennis Troxell from Washington I believe….Julio Arce ( who did just not want to go home)…anyone remember any of those guys or names?…I lived 20 minutes from Kent state….got home may 11th 1970….1 week after Kent State…..talk about getting it from both ends of the barrel!…..Ron Skye…Mogadore,Ohio
I was there in Phuoc Vinh in January of 69 until June of 69 with the 229th S&S. Happy to be on this website.
Welcome home Edrick…
hey saw your post….i got out of the field and sent to the first cav’s base, phouch vinh……i kinda hung with the air traffic guys from our company…
11th avn groupe 70…..71…….i would like to talk to one of this phouch vinh tower guys……if you no one of them krazy guys,,,,,,,tell them …..JOLLY OF MONTANA says we made it thru by being close, toking, candles in a hooch or not, made it back ……i’m ok with that………..nam brothers rule…
NEVER FORGET…..
I remember you Jolly. HHC 11CAG TOC ’70-’71. Yep music, toking, and candles on a wine bottle for a year. Most names escape me but Zig Zag nick name comes to mind.
I was with 11th g.s. avn group 69 70 worked on the green line perimeter as a armor
GCA & Tower Controller, Dec. ’68 – Dec.’ 69.
Hoping to hear from:
Bill Johnson
Mike Baldi
Jim Ellsworth
Wayne (can’t recall last name)
Anyone else who was there during this time period.
wayne sot
13th signal battilion
Thrash, Dow , Shlemer
The Wayne I’m hoping to get back in contact with was also an ATC guy…
Paul Adler; B co. 15th TC battalion. 1st Cav. Avionics. March 69-Jan 70.
We were @ PV @ the same time… I worked mainly in the GCA… but for shits & giggles I would go up in the tower and put on an air show as often as I could… It was like sticking your head in a bee-hive‼️. It was a TRIP‼️
Following the service I went on to work for the FAA as a ATCS… making it to the top of the profession @ DFW Tower & TRACON.
Welcome home Terry. Paul
I was in Phouc Vinh in 1970 , 13th Signal Battilion, Scope Platoon RTTY
operator.
We called it “rocket city”
Welcome Home!
I was @ PV from Dec. 68 – Dec. 69
Air Traffic Controller… GCA & Tower
Was there July 69 Aug 70 595 commcenter
On Sun, May 29, 2022 at 12:35 AM My Vietnam Experience < comment-reply@wordpress.com> wrote:
Phouc Vinh Dec 1966-June 1967 HHQ 6Th Bn 27th Arty 175mm And 8 in howitzers
Phouc Vinh: October 1, 1966 to October 1, 1967. A Co., 1/26 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Nice photos of our old base camp with additions that are new to these eyes. Thanks.
1st Air Cav JAG, under Colonel Comboy. Served out of in Bien Hao, Phuoc Vinh ’70-’71.
I was a Court Reporter, had flown to over forty cases countrywide.
Hello, apparently my father was here in 1967. His name was Leonard A Sabol and he was 1st division 5th Artillery. He didn’t talk much about it, but he was always a handy guy, and apparently created a hot water heater for the showers. It had many signs about pressure, etc, but it blew up because a high up person did not heed his warnings and it killed him. Hi was going to be brought on charges, but ultimately did not. If anyone served with Leonard, please reach out to me at sablebass@gmail.com
Thanks, Christopher Sabol
Wikipedia states that the airfield had a paved asphalt runway. I was a fixed wing pilot there E Btry (AVN) 82nd FA and used the runway, landing and taking off, at least a thousand times. i remember that the r/w was a PSP ( Steel plate ) runway. I was there 3/70 to 3/71. Anyone out there could enlighten me?
The 557 engineer co and 31 engineers finished paving in 1970
I was an Air Traffic Controller @ Phouc Vinh (12/68 – 12/69) and the runway was PSP with buried arty shell casings along side it for runway lights.
Was definitely PSP. We put it in (31st Engr Bn).
C-227 AHB 69=70 PSP
Hi Alex…I was next door to you at E Battery/82 FA. My C/O was Gerald Zynda, We stood down in April, 71 and I believe he went over to your unit to be C/O. We still chat on Phone & email.
Hi … my name is Dave. I was with the FIRST CAV 8TH ENGR. at Phouc Phen. Anyone else with the 8th Engineers?
The air strip was psp as best as I can recall. I was with A Btry, 2/20th ARA there from 12/70 until we moved in April.
Boy, these brought back some memories. I can still smell it.