MACV Team 28 – Tuy Hoa
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 28 located in Tuy Hoa.
MACV Teams
Military Assistance Command Teams Vietnam
MACV Team 28 – Tuy Hoa
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 28 located in Tuy Hoa.
MACV Teams 
Thanks, will reformat and resubmit. I sent same query to several of the other Team pages
bill
I guess I should have said that my dad, William (Bill) Crisp, was the Flight Engineer on the C-130 thay night with the following crewmen:
Pilot – Donald Smith
CoPilot – David Wax
Navigator – Terry Katterhenry
Loadmaster – Willie Mitchell
Anyone remember Truett Brown 66-67 on team 28?
Wondering if anyone remembers a Joe Kearns, 2LT of a MAT operating in the area in 1970-1971. Other unit guys were named Dan (medic), Joe, Ray. Thanks!
Does anyone remember sfc andrew yurasek medic 1968-69?
Cung Son battle in ’71. Cpt Thayer. Any info, input? rodonisle@aol.com
Who is left from 70-71 team from the compound. I was the radar O Riley at the time. Flew on resupply missions to the districts. Son hoa, dong xuan, son cau, tuy an.
Hey Bianchi. This is Frank Lindsey. Still kicking here in Georgia. Hope you are well.
Was there 8/69 to 6/70.
Hi Mike, I was there between Nov 70 to Nov 71. It’s great to hear from you. Keep in touch my brother in arms. Wishing you all the best.
Bob Bianchi
Frank, I’m not sure if you are who I’m thinking of, did we take a selfy of us together. Ever since they sent my job overseas after 25 yrs it’s been rough. l hope all has gone well for you. Your brother in arms.
Robert Bianchi
Hey Bianchi, I am here in Fernandindna Beach, Florida. Belong to the local Vietnam group. I worked in S-2
and ran the post store when I was not at S-2. Worked with Sgt Benjamin Hooks. Left Tuy Hoa February 1971.
I have a picture of you and me when I was stationed in Tuy Hoa.
Hi John, I picked up that job after you left along with the film exchange, driving to the air base for supplies, and the mail room. Radar O Riley here. Do you remember the China doll bar keep at the club she also worked at the air base, a nice girl. Wishing all the best.
Bob Bianchi
Genow how are you doing ?
I flew support for Team 28 from 72 to 73 out of Nha Trang 201st aviation. Red Baron 22 was my call sign. Lt Nelson at that time.
Thanks, sorry for the delay in response I have started a new job and I am now just finding my groove. So you were operating both in the air and on the ground. So you must have been a specialist with few team members? How many operators like you were in your squadron? Or was it just you?
Mr. Island, your writing skills are extraordinary given the circumstances of your tutelage. Yours is a well-written and interesting account.
I believe that most of us agree with you.
By any chance does anyone know of someone who worked on the O-1 or O-2 as a Crew Chief or some form of maintenance? As a former crew chief I would like to hear their experiences if possible. As always, thank for your help.
I worked on 0-1,and 0-2’s at Na Trang PE docks as a dock chief, an on o-1’s at Tuy Hoa north field. As a crew chief. 1967-1968. Major William Paige and Capitan Charles Johnson were my pilots, James Fordyce was my assistant stayed at team 28 compound.
Hey Jerry, William Paige was my Dad. Could you please tell me about what you remember of my father and your experiences as a Crew Chief working under those conditions. I have to imagine that the repairs were more art than science. I can only suspect that logistic was spotty at best. I was an F-16/Crash Recovery and response Crew Chief during the first Gulf War. I understand that my conditions were a paradise compared to you.
Hey, Jerry. Do you remember Jacques (Jack) Island (me) as the Intelligence Operator for our TACP at north field? I remember you and Jim Fordyce (and a Canadian we called “Kanuk” who was a comm guy, and his short, pudgy comm guy whose name I can’t remember now). I flew backseat with Maj. Paige, Lt. Green, Maj. Hoke and several other FACs in a bunch of missions on recon and scheduled airstrikes.
as Nurse at the 91st i also flew with Smoke Greene. I spent a couple of days with the Gree n Berets in the highlands
Hello, I think you may have known my father Bill Paige. I have a picture of you besides his aircraft. I also studied under Dr. Lei how you published a story with.
I was wondering if you could describe your experiences as a Crew Chief on the O-1. How did you keep the planes in the air? Bubble gum, electrical tape, duct tape, beer cans?
Bill Paige’s request for names of O-1 mechanics prompted me to do a bit of research through my holdings, and I found an old “special order” that assigned a bunch of USAF airmen to various field units in II Corp, That jogged my memory a bit. Among the many people listed in the order are the following five assignments to Team 28, as listed in the order: MAJ PAIGE, FORREST W., 1ST LT THOMPSON, KENNETH R., SGT RICGS, CHARLES R., SGT MCELHONE, ROBERT E., SGT EDMONDSON, WARREN J., A1C ISLAND, JACQUES R., A1C FORDECK, JAMES T. These were the USAF TACP airmen assigned to Team 28 when I first arrived at Tuy Hoa beach compound. To add some memories and clarifications: Maj. Paige was the ALO/FAC; Lt. Thompson was a recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who I previously erroneously remembered as “Lt. Green” (although I don’t know why) and who wanted in the worst way to join the “Steve Canyon” program in Laos and finally got his way; Sgt. Riggs and A1C Fordeck (a Cajun who until now has been remembered in this blog as “James Fordyce”) were our O-1/jeep mechanics; Sgt. McElhone (a Canadian our team nicknamed “Kanuk,” as I recall) and Sgt. Edmonson were our radio operators; and I, A1C Island, was the team’s intel operator. So, Bill, you have two O-1 mechanics in this team who I know worked on your father’s airplane.
Sorry for the long delay. I would love to talk to them if I could. Though I am trying to learn about my Dad, I was a crew chief not a pilot and would love to know what it was like to maintain an O-1 under those conditions.
My father is John E Adomis and as his daughter he talked about how he was at the bade and how it was attacked and he saw a lot of his buddies get hurt/ killed the night of the attack
Paul Cross, USAF, was an O-2 Crew chief 69-70. Just saw.his bio on Facebook. He’s retired and still living in Ohio
Just wanted to let you know that Frank Lindsey passed away December 20th from prostate cancer.
Sent from my iPhone
Rest in peace brother
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
Hello again. I have some further questions for those who knew Capt./Maj. Forrest “Bill” Paige a FAC pilot and intel officer with MACV-28 (1968-69). Does anyone know if he may have operated over Cambodia or Laos?
Hi, Bill. I was the intel operator attached to the TACP with your father as our team’s FAC/ALO. We served together for about five months before he rotated out of Team 28 (back to the U.S. I presume). During the time I knew him (the last five months of his tour with Team 28 in Vietnam) he did not fly outside of Vietnam (to Laos or Cambodia).
When did Maj Paige rotate back to U.S.?
He rotated out in 1969, mid year I believe.
Thank you for the info, Jacques. I hope all is well with you. I have found some holes in my research and you are the perfect man to fill in the gaps. Quite often in the official histories (reports) a FAC pilot flew alone, but the more personal stories I read there were men like you as their back/side seater helping them track the chaos. In the records of down pilots, it would seem that there was an observer more often then not. How often did you fly with him/all the FACs? I would love to get your story of service if possible.
I was the MACV Team 28 engineer officer (7/69 — 6/70) and recall a FAC pilot flying an OV-1, I think. Cannot recall his name. Good guy, partied with us at our NCO club, good volley ball player and once on a Sunday afternoon flew very low over a bunch of on the beach. We never heard him coming!
I flew Army 0-1s out of Tuy Hoa. Don’t confuse the USAF FACs with the Army’s “Aerial Observers” – who ended up doing lots of FAC work. Army almost always had a backseater, usually from the unit being supported, if available.
I flew with Capt Joe Russo 67 to 68 as back seater. I was Phoenix Adv and we flew during TET and the TET counter offensive
Looking for info in my grandfather. Lacy H Jones, he was a translator with Team 28 from 71-73
Hello all, I just became aware of this site. I was in-country in 67-68 and originally a medic with the 577th engineer bn in Tuy Hoa. Their base was a short distance from both the airforce base and the 92nd evac hospital. I extended my duty after my first term and then was stationed with MATS team II-10 in Tuy Hoa as a medical adviser,( due to my medical experience ,top secret clearance and my being certified as a vietnamese translator) I think that was part of MACV team 28 but I forget the lines of command. I remember the compound on the beach and actually had quarters there, although the team did not stay there too much as we spent much time in the field with the Regional Forces. I read a lot of the messages but didn’t have any information to offer the many requests . I thought I would add my brief bio to the data base in case it fills in any blanks. Thanks to all who served and thanks to all the families who have contributed their time and thoughts to the site. The lesson is how war affects a person and their families for life. I wish all of you peace and love through the end of your days.
Being that you were quartered at the beach you might recall a friend of mine who was there also. Bill Clary
I was in Tuy Hoa Viet Nam in May 1966 to May 1967 assigned to the 525 MI unit Advisory Tram 28. F16-4 . I was with my team mates Sgt William Bradley and Sgt.Goldwire. Our job was to copy info through our Cripto decoding receiver and send the info all throughout Viet Nam. There were many places that we went to in order to gather info for the Military intelligence unit. I had a few friends in the Nam that were in the an infrantry unit big red one. Louis Molina, King Jacobs.and Bill McClainey .
Sorry, I did not think I know anyone from the Big Red One although I know they saw action around Chop Chai mountain before my arrival there. The defense in the Tuy Hoa area had been turned over to ARVN and Regional forces by the time I was there. Mostly we worked with regional and provincial forces. Sometimes we joined up with units of 179th airborne armored personnel carriers and did joint operations with them where the Vietnamese regional forces were the infantry component.
I don’t recall the name. Sorry.
Were you ever in dayton ohio after Nam?
Thomas
Were you in ohio in the early 70’s?
Anthony, my name is John Trotogott and I’m writing a book about some things that happened between the civilian hospital on MACV grounds and Phu Hiep where my unit, 25th Med Det being a part of the 335th Aslt Helio Co was based. The Cowboys mainly supported the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I would like to send to you a copy of an incident that happened. I am hoping you or others that were in that area can help me with some geographies. I believe this incident happened around Feb-March of 1968.
Sincerely,
John Trotogott
Roseburg, OR
Hi John, Phu Hep rings a bell and I believe was the closest village to the engineer Bn. I believe many of the civilian workers at the base came from there. I’ll try to fill in some blanks if I can but it was so long ago. Anthony, Philadelphia PA
Anthony, (or anyone else). my unit (The Cowboys) was based at Pfu Hiep starting in Sept-Oct of ’67. Phu Hiep was just south of Tuy Hoa air base. I helped the guy that ran the civilian hospital at MACV. His name was White or Smith. My question is what roadway was it going from your compound to Tuy Hoa air base and then onto the village of Phu Hiep? Also, along the way there was a small compound (with a gun tower) that housed a couple of our people and a VN unit; does anyone remember that? I did not get there until after Hill 875 and that Dak To ordeal. Can anyone tell me when Tuy Hoa got hit after TET. I believe there were a couple of attacks. My situation I thought was early springtime.
John Trotogott
I was with the 125th ATC at Team 28 compound in 1968. May 1968 Dec 1968.Tuy Hoa radio. Our ATC van was under the radio tower next to the northwest bunker. Major Paige was an awesome fellow. All you guys were. Don’t see any pictures of the Decca navigators orange buildings or the 300 foot tower they used in between the two compounds.
Bob Plimpton, I’m not familiar with “ATC” at Team 28 compound. You mentioned radio at Tuy Hoa. Myself, James Bost and David Schmidt operated the Phu Yen province NCS (net control station) for MACV Team 28 for the same time period you mentioned being there. My recollection of things isn’t very clear anymore. I was assigned to the 261st Signal Company in Phu Hiep, sometime around January 1968. I was then attached to Team 28 sometime around March or April. Was there on the radios until around December 68 or January 69. While at the signal company in Phu Hiep we started the first operating MARS station, making phone calls back to the states over a single side band radio out of an old shack of a hut located in the signal company compound. We may have talked with one another during our time in Tuy Hoa. At one time or another I figure I worked with every tactical and support unit operating in the Phu Yen province. Maj. Craven was one of the officers I interacted with the most at Team 28. You are one of the first people I’ve seen post on this site that has been around Team 28 compound when I was there. I wish you well.
SP4 Barry Totman
Hey Bob,
This is Ray Bratton. Typed in your name to see if would hit and it did. You me, Rick Purcell, Joe Voss,Curtis Wright,DaleDavid,Smitty and others I can’t remember there names. Remember living in that hotel in Saigon for a few weeks? We worked in the portable control by the Free World Forces building and Presidential Palace. How much fun we had down at the beach,throwing grenades and firing the M60 and M79 . The last blast was when I fired off a flare from on top the bunker a couple nights before I went back to Bien Hoa to leave for home. The Sargent of the guard on the compound didn’t have any since of humor. Complained to Rick Purcell or Spec 5 leader.
I remember you were from Tucson. I was from San Leandro, Ca. Now I live in Temecula, Ca.
I hope you check back on this thread and read this.It will probably crack you up. Time flies when we’re having fun.
Actually Tuy Hoa radio 125 ATC was my best time in my 3 year Army hitch.
Hope this finds you in good health, write back if you get this.
Ray call sigh BB
john. My name is Henry Willis.. medic adv. Tm 28 oct 67 may 68. At tuy hoa north on tet. 2 more attacks on town before may11 1968 when I left. Have photos of weapons policed up after 2nd attack. From north down beach. Also did usaid duty at tuy hoa civilian hospital.
I was an adviser at that time
Hi, did you know medical advisor Andrew Yurasek? He was there in 1968.
Hi. Did you know andrew Yurasek- medic served 68-69?
Hi. My farher was a medic 68-69 sfc andrew yurasek. Did you know him?
It doesn’t look good for the U.S Constitution
I am not quiet convinced, but you may be right
Ya think?
Here are some pictures of my time at the Beach Compound. Unfortunately I don’t remember any names but they are really great pictures of what we did at the compound. Anyone know any of these guys please send me their names. Well I thought I could send them but figured out that I don’t know how. Will try to figure it out.
Just attempted to send a couple of photos but don’t think it worked. Can you verify your email…does it have two nn’s in Bianchi?
Frank, my e-mail is Rbianchi2@rochester.rr.com
Yes, Frank I do remember you we took a selfie together, if I can find it I’ll let you know. We were ahead of our time taking selfies. The guy on the chopper pad with me is Dale Mancuso from Dansbury Connecticut and your right he was an RTO. Frank thanks for the picture.
Wishing you and your family all the best.
I was just thinking of the MACV team and wanted to wish you a Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service to our country. I didn’t have very long with my Daddy, Captain Kenneth Randal Price who died in Vietnam in 71 but in our short time he taught me about respect and honor.
You Veterans have my deepest respect and appreciation.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Price Smyth
Hi Frank, I was at MACV TM 28 from February 1971 to March 1972.
Hey Darrell Were you at the beach compound?
Yes I was. I was over the guards, did mail delivery and what ever I needed to do.
Hi Darrell I am having trouble picturing you. Is there any way you could email me an old photo of you? Are you on facebook?I am, as Franklin P Lindsey or Frank P. Lindsey
Hi Frank, I am on facebook Darrell Peek.
Hi Darrell What rank were you at that time?
I was a SP5.
Hey Darrell, I had those same duties in 71 up to Nov. I would go on resupply to the districts, mail ,movies,and anything else they would want. I also had guard duty, One night I was outside the shack at the main gate I heard the mortars thumping from the tubes and went for the siren before the first round hit. I felt good about it tell I heard and saw how bad Lance Corporal Dupont was with chest wounds.One bad night!
That night was I think in February. We heard Dupont was sent to Japan. Never heard anything else about his status. Always wondered about him.
I was at MACV Team 32 in Phan Thiet, and got moved up to MACV Team 28 in Tuy Hoa and was there till March 1972. Don’t remember the date when I transferred to TM 28.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
Hoping to shed some light on my father’s time at Tuy Hua. He was a jet engine mechanic, not necessarily part of MACV.
However, according to his DD214, he received an Air Force Commendation medal and after it is listed “SOG-307, Hq7thAF, 20Jan69”
He was at Tuy Hua for all of ’68 and if my research is correct, that’s when the VC attacked, so I’m wondering if it would be related to that attack.
If anyone has any info on the award I would greatly appreciate it.
I can be contacted at snolds@gmail.com
Scott, both my brother, Robert Ward and myself, Curtis Ward were stationed at Tuy Hoa during a brief period together. My brother was in the Air Force, a radio operator in a C-130 searching for downed pilots, and I was in the Army stationed a couple of clicks south of the Air Base. My brother was there from 06/10/67 to 06/10/68, I was there from 04/15/68 to 04/15/69, we served a little under two months together in the same area. I lost track of my brother after 1984 but during the time that I was at Tuy Hoa I don’t recall any major assaults from either the V.C. or the NVA. There were many skirmishes and small battles between the ROKs (Republic of Korea Army) and the VC, and our unit, which was a supply and service unit, had run-ins at times, but nothing serious. The attack you mention was possibly prior to April ’68, and there was one major attack in which a couple of C-130s were destroyed, possibly the one in which your father was party to. You might try the Dept. of Defense for any real clarification, good luck.
I am looking for information on my father, Bill(y) Warren Kirksey. I am working on limited information that I received when he died in April, 2010. I was told by L. Colonel John Cook that this would be a good place to start. I was told he worked out of Tuy-hoa, Vietnam. He served 1969 and 1970 and was part of the Phoenix Program. I am not sure of his rank. I was told he was 1st division, 7th Magnificent Marines and was possibly a sniper and interrogator. I have seen his “boonie”, dress sword, sidearm (revolver with wooden handle… hash marks for high level VC that he executed [8] that could not be “converted”) and his rifle. He would have been pretty thin, brown hair, 5’9″ with blue eyes. I also have one of his “Challenge” coins. A gentleman, 5’8″ or 5’9″, early to mid-60s that came to his funeral (Albany, GA) shook my hand and told me my father was a “good man, a good soldier and he was proud to have served with him”. He came from nowhere, told me that, shook my hand and was gone just as quickly. I had planned to talk to him after the funeral, but as I said… he was gone. He did not sign the registry at the funeral. Until his death I never knew my father was in the service. I have several other details I can go into once/if I am contacted. I am just trying to find out a little about my father that he never told me about. Thanks.
Bill – you should include your email address for contact purposes
Woops… sorry. It is madgnome42@gmail.com. I thouight that was what the box was below the replies. Thank you.
madgnome42@gmail.com
My father was Captain Kenneth Randal Price (Randy) He died in the Phu Yen province in February 1971. I was just 7 years old at the time. My sisters and I would love to hear from anyone who knew our father.
Thank you
I am doing research on my father (Major Bill Paige) who flew FAC missions (O-1) with MACV 28. Does anyone know if he may have been involved with the Studies and Observations Group (SOG) related missions?
Hello Bill,
I know for sure that your father did land on the landing strip of Đông Tre SF camp and also at Son Hoa SF camp, they are remote camps with landing strips where he stopped to refuel from gasoline bladder and to rearm his white phosphorus rockets to Mark targets!
The time I was there and saw him, he used to land, use the facilities, catch a bite to eat if it was lunch time or late breakfast, he would talked to the S2 or intel officer to get local info or to report anything new he saw on his flights!
I personally believe that he was not working for SOG programs, I understood that SOG flights used one of a veteran SOG member who understands how a mission is run as an observer, flying with the pilot, while the SOG guy maintained radio with their teams on the ground, the pilot was focusing on directing any air assets for support when needed!
He would have to be dedicated to them full time, flying just for them….he may be!
But I saw him based from Tuy Hoa, and when I saw him flying, it was mostly by himself except times he took some of us up with him.
Again, this is from the eyes of a lowly Sargent of the ARVN.
His missions are not danger free, he was always up in the mountain areas, exposed to AA unexpectedly and if hit there are not good places to put a wounded bird down, he flew low lot of time (I never saw him with a parachute), so low that I saw some green foliage stuck on the non retractable wheels under the fuselage!
He has my admiration and debt for ever, for his services helping our country against the red tide, for the sacrifice your family paid during all the time he was deployed!
You can always contact me:
dodinhdzung@gmail.com
443-995-1574 ( text or email me first before calling, I don’t answer my phone unless I know, due to being a policeman)
Please take care and be safe,
(Former) Sgt DŨNG Do
“Lowly Sargent?” I love my officer father, but as a former USAF Sargent need I remind you that we are the brains and brown of the military. Thanks for the information.
Arville Hickerson says:
For: SSG Henry Willis, others seeking information on Advisory Team 28 from 1967-1968.
For: Thomas Moon. Was the book “Vung Ro Bay” cited in your 28 June 2018 post published? If so, I respectfully request a copy or instructions on where to purchase one.
Reference: My posts 7 September 2018, 6 and 7 2019, and Dung Do’s posts 27 May 2019 and 24 April 2020.
I now have in Florida some of my documents and pictures of Advisory Team 28 events and people. They include my DA Form 66 (Officer Qualification Record) similar to the DA Form 20 for enlisted personnel and 12 pages of pictures taken in Tuy Hoa and vicinity from 1967 to 1968. I shall be sending them to Henry Willis when the Corona Virus restrictions are lifted. I may try next week since I think the local post offices are open.
Mr. Arville Hickerson.
Ref: Your Conversation on here of May 1, 2020 mentioning SGT Dzung Do and Advisory Team 28.
Sir, I was attached to ” A” Battery-6Bn–32 Arty, the Fire Base just down the road from the Team 28 in Dong Tre
from Nov. 68 to Nov 69. I read where you stated that you have pics of Tuy Hoa and vicinity–our Base Camp–would appreciate
having some copies of those pics also. I would be eternally thankful. Please forward them to–
my name is : Jesse Olivo–P. O. Box 453–Taft, Tx 78390
Jesse: My name is Ronald Thayer [Captain Thayer back in those days] and I was Battery Commander of A Battery 6/32nd Artillery at Dong Tre when you were there. I would like to add you to my Unit Member Spreadsheet if that is okay with you. Please contact me at rlthayer@prodigy.net or call me at (703) 969-9474. We have over 30 members who were at Dong Tre back in those days. You might even know some of them and want to communicate with them.
Hi Arville, I was the ICEX later called Phoenix Advisor from Aug 67 to Jun 68. Would love to see your pictures. My email is ltcrick2003@yahoo.com .
Thanks
Rick Smith
Good to learn how the surfboard got to Team 28! Speaking of the air force base, my Team 28 bros and I ate a lot of their steaks on their beach. The ride back to the Team 28 compound after the cookouts at midnight was wild and stupid. We were young then! When I arrived, July ’69, the surfboard was standing tall in front of my hooch near the volleyball net. Since I grew up in Norfolk, VA and spent many, to many, hours at Virginia Beach on my surfboard, it was a real stroke of luck to find out that we had a board at Team 28. My job: I was responsible for working with my Vietnamese engineer counterpart to repair bridge and road damage in Phu Yen Province, keep the Tuy Hoa power plant humming (old French generators made that a challenge) and I tried to keep the ROK Regiment’s tracks from damaging the roads…don’t mess with those guys! My other job was to reinforce the compound perimeter with new bunkers and an anti-rocket fence (chainlink). Got that done. My extra duties were finance officer (pay and MPC conversion day—Fun and sad!),and special services officer (beer, vollleyball, surfing. My roommate for a year was 1LT Carlos Escobedo, the Team’s Psychological Operations Officer, great guy!! He’s back in Texas closing out his career as head of his accounting firm. After 50 years we reunited when he visited Miami on business. We had a great time! When I got back I started a career in marketing communications. I retired six years ago and have been volunteering at my local VA Clinic in Bradenton, FL (near Sarasota) and at Turning Points, a social service agency dedicated to eliminating homelessness here, particularly among Veterans. Paying it back thankfully for a safe tour!
Paul Cote, 1LT Engineer MACV Team 28 July ’69 — June ’70. (973) 568-9982.
Paul, I was with MACV TM 28 from 12/69 to 2/28/71 I remember that surfboard coming from California I spend allot of time when I could surfing. I felt like the unofficial lifeguard once went out on that board to get a soldier who got got in a riptide.
John Etchart Specialist 4 – S2
We had a crazy barbecue circa April 69 on the beach. We fired dated rounds and ordnance into the sea. I fired grenade launchers , brownings and a 59 caliber. Wow. A mortar duo was attempting to put as many rounds into the air as possible before the first one hit. The screwed up and became out of sync and one round clipped the other as it was entering the tube. It spun around and landed about 10 feet away from us. It didn’t go off. Never drink while firing anything!
Nope. That was in 1968 unless it happened again. Pretty sure there was more than just drinking going on.This picture is of my wife and I on the beach in San Diego. Don’t you just love the beach? One of the mortar operators had a bu ggered up finger. Bob Plimpton, Tuy Hoa Radio. NW corner of the compound under the little 100 foot antenna.
That surf board was lost when the two captains were pulled out to sea from the under tow.
Bianchi was one of those Captains that got pulled out to sea Captain Kenneth Randal Price?
Melissa I don’t really know I just remember the services on the compound. I believe Genow knows more about that day.
Thank you
Melissa I seen your comments with Robert Bianchi, I was one of the guys who went out with the surfboard to help your father
David Genow Thank you for trying to help my father that day. My sisters and I appreciate your service. We also welcome any memories of our Daddy you would be willing to share.
Melissa
I would be glad to give you any information I can remember concerning you father and the tragedy of his passing. I don’t know what time zone you are in mine is eastern standard time.
If you would like to call me around 10am on Thursday we can talk.
321–795-2322
Sincerely David Genow
Thank you so much!!! That’s so generous of you!
We are in the eastern timezone in Georgia. I would love the opportunity to speak with you and hear anything you remember and are comfortable sharing.
I will look forward to speaking with you then.
My number is 828-803-4889 if you need to call or text a change of schedule.
Thank you so much!!
Thank you for your service, and thank you for trying to help our Daddy.
Good to hear from you. Yes, I remember surfing on that board. I spent a lot of time surfing at VA Beach before Vietnam.
I was assigned toTeam 28 inFeb 63 as a radio and carrier signal operator. I remember LTC Marr was CO, SFC Moore was the Intel Sgt, MAJ Nance was the SF team OIC ,SP4 Warren,SP4 Noe and my self SP4 Burnett were the complete Commo team.We also had the Medical NCO SFC Martin and I would go out with him when they went to the villages for the Med Cap mission to treat the viallage people. I had the only M1 rifle in the unit.Good and bad memories of Vietnam.
Does anyone remember medic sfc andrew yurasek in 1968?
I just found this site. My husband’s first tour was in Tuy Hoa, 1967. He was a Captain with the 532nd S &S Battalion. From the pictures I have
, it looks like his office moved to Cam Rahn Bay in July 1967. His name is Joe George. He is now is a memory facility with Alzheimers.
I was there in june 1966(tuy hoa) with a company of Montagnards fighting in the village below pink titty mountain. The 101st abn unit was there and we were dropped in on the west northwest side of the village Sfc Zakow and ssgt. Mike Dooley and I were with company of about 200 men.The fighting was hellistic and I shit in my pants for the first time but not the last. I bumped in an old buddy from abn school Joe Hinahosa before he was killed. We laughed our asses off from a story of him loving a girl named Ruby. We didn’t have time for a long talk. We pulled back to the afb. and slept beneath the wing of a C-130 with our troops. The air strikes went on for 4 days(day and night). The we climbed back on 9 slicks and went back into the village.We lost 11 Yards. and wounded Sgt.Zak. ssgt Gary Moore Co. A Fifth SFG Mai Linh
Does anyone remember Andrew Yurasek?
I am looking for my friend King Jacobs who was in Viet Nam in 1966 to 1967. Also looking for Louis Molina also in Nam during that time.
Sometime we did recon on areas suspected of
Hiding Viet Kong
Can anyone give me any information about a fire-fight or battle near Tuy Hoa, on or around September 17, 1967? My father was a Dustoff pilot who flew missions during that action. His call-sign was ‘Dustoff 99’ – CWO Cliff Watson.
Does anyone recognize the name 2nd Lt. Judy Crausbay Hamilton. Flight nurse.
I don’t know her personally But if you Type her name into one of the search engine boxes like yahoo.com. You should find her.
I know Judy, she is a friend of mine and she is in my Facebook Group, Tuy Hoa AB, Vietnam-Reunion.
Hi, I’m seeking information on my grandfather who I think supported MACV Team 28. His name is SFC Allen Charles Argenta and was KIA on July 11, 1969. He was a member of the medical Corp. I also know he spent some time at Ft Detrick, MD. Any memories or stories would be appreciated. Thanks for your service. Respectfully, Ed
I am so sorry of your lost. I left RVM 2 weeks after her he past. Hopefully some one will be able to provide info. My good friend, Bill Clarry who was the SDO) (I think that what they were called) could hope. Good luck.
A lowly W-1/W-2 Helo pilot.
Tom Harney
Seeking info. On battle 17 km nnw of Tuy Hoa. On Feb 25 1969. 7 Kia, 10 Wia. One one killed was Russell J Holland of Clayton NM of A company.
I will ask my good friend Bill Clary who was the SDA there if he knows any thing.
Tom Harney, CW4, Ret.
My husband was the leadero of the Company A 1st Platoonthat ambush. His name is Douglas Holtzinger (11/68 – about 7/69 2nd Leut. then) we have been communicating with others in Company A seeking info about that fight. US Army description of the action is inaccurate in most details. It was written up by guys in the rear who weren’t there. So far as I have been able to know, Doug is the only one who has a first hand account of what he saw and his men did. There were 3 platoons there. Hopefully more eye witnesses will come forward with accurate information from the different platoons perspectives. Doug lost 4 of his men, he saw the dead body of a member of another platoon, a man he knew.. There were two others killed Holland and Lanctot. There were not 10 wounded. If you wish you can email us at jholtzinger1008@outlook.com and we will send you a copy of Doug’s recall of that action.
My father was stationed in Tuy Hoa 08/1967 to 08/1968.
His name was (at that time) SSGT. Kurt Johnson, 31st Supply. He passed away July 7, 2016 from AO related illness’s. Anyone also work in supply and know him? He was looking for a couple of his friends a couple years before he passed away.
Nicole, was your father in the Air Force or the Army? I was in the Army stationed in Tuy Hoa at the 226 Supply/Service from 04-15-68 to 04-15-69. My brother was stationed at the air base working as a radio operator on a C-130 recovering downed fighter pilots from 06-67 to 06-68. I had to sign the Sullivan Act release in order to go to ‘Nam since he was already there, funny, they stationed me at the same location as where he was, just a few clicks south from the air base. We had two villages, one on either side of our units base on the coast of the south china sea. My brother’s name was Robert Ward, I’m Curtis Ward. If your father was in either the air base or the Army camp we may have run into him over there. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for your reply. Thank you also for you and your brothers service. You all have my utmost respect. My father was AF. Your comment was very interesting. Strange you two were stationed so close to each other. Glad you made it home. I would say your paths had to of crossed at some point. My father had said there was times he had to go to the Army base. Welcome Home
Nicole,
thank you.
Gentlemen,
I am trying to locate anyone with access to any of the after action reports (67’-72’). Trying to research awards & commendations that we’re awarded during those years especially any awarded to Vietnamese soldiers & interpreters who served with Team 31.
Any help would be appreciated,
Lewis Grisaffi
Team 31 Phu Bon province 69’-70’)
luisaffi@yahoo.com
Sorry to jump in. not very good with computers, with neuropathy etc . But Bill Clary SDA is a friend of mine. If any one knows of him please let me know. I Was a W1 helicopter pilot then and worked that area from time to time. Not often. Does any one remember Bill?
Rusty old S&W M-39
Tom Harney, CW4, Ret.
Bill Paige, very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I served with Major Paige at Tuy Hoa MACV until Jan 69. I was a radio operator for HERB 30 & HERB 05. Would very much like to speak with you. My email is “cbjss1108@comcast.net”
Sorry I am just seeing this now, I will email you ASAP.
Looking for Ben Snow. This is Missy Hamilton.
Sorry Missy. The name does not come to mind. I will call Bill C to see if he knew him, Bill left some time in ’69 so there might be a connection. Will let you know what I come up with. (Watson McFarland)
Tom
Benjamin Snow is on Facebook and is a member of tuy hoa AB, Vietnam-reunion.
Missy, just talked to Ben and he said to call him at 602-397-5477.
my name is henry willis i was a s/sgt medical advisor 1967 1968 my group was involved in tet at tuy north air strip. against nva. 189 nva kia, sadly 19 of our finest 4 bn 173 abn were lost. one of my assignments was USAID coordinator for the province hospital and clinics. we did a lot of good humanitarian work.i am interested in after action reports for tet thru may 68, personnel rosters.
.
I was at Tuy Hoa during the TET action……..not as a Tm 28 guy but as a 1LT member of the 173rd reaction force that joined the battle ..I wrote two separate e-mails about it on this site about two years or so ago (see below)……a very active and sad couple of days….
hi ED you might remember LT larry hawkins, paralized from waist down at cemetary hill aka tuy hoa north. we lost him recently. he came home, became an attorney & a miami-dade commisner. he is buried at arlington. he is mentioned i csgm ted arthur’s book Land with no sun, about d co 4 bn 173.
Mr,Willis; I did not have the pleasure of meeting Lt Hawkins during my tour with the Bde. I was an IPW stationeded with the fwd TOC during my tour. In fact, I was the S-2 on duty officer in the Bde TOC when the action started at Tuy Hoa north, Know SGM Ted Authurs well and have a signed copy of his book on my bookshelf.
Sad to hear Lt Hawkins has passed on to stand with the Great Jumpmaster in the Sky. Lots of us older folks are unfortunately being called up that that heavenly platoon these days. I am a longtime member of Chapter 1, 173rd Abn Assoc here in D,C, and we have attended to many burials at Arlington over the past few years.
All the best…Stay well!
Airborne!
A good friend of mine was 28th 1968-1969. I retired 2000 and flew with Bill Clary 2000-2008. I was just talking with him tonight. Small world.
SSG Willis (if I recall).
[Arville Hickerson, COL, USA, Ret. RVN service 1967-1969, Apr 67 Dep Province Advisor, Phu Yen, stationed in Tuy Hoa thru first TET offensive in Jan 1968; extended 3 mos to Jun ’68; extended to Jun ’69 (in two 6-mos increments) to join 1st Air Cav Div (Ambl) first as XO, 1-7 Cav (Garry Owen!) for 6 mos and then as Asst G-4 for 6 mos.]
—Put you in for the Silver Star for your actions at North Field . . .which was approved . . . I awarded . . . and have a pic in my files of it. Also, CPT Boley got a Silver Star at the same time. Pleaded w/then LTG Forsythe in MACV HQ, Saigon, to award others who had done well, the LOM and got overruled. You two were the only folks who got decorations for your actions at TET.
—I have gotten some VC flags of the period and have pics thereof I will share. One has “Tuy Hoa” on it (it may be a repro)
—I’d like to get in touch w/Gary Hacker, S-2, who got an AM “V” along w/me for getting shot at over Tuy Hoa while checking out the situation at TET. He has made some posts on this site previously mentioning my name.
—Be happy to communicate . . . if my health holds up . . . been really sick lately.
Arv H
COL Hickerson, very pleased to see your message. I thought of you just a couple of days ago, but could not find my contact information for you. I’m also very pleased to learn that Steve Boley was awarded a Silver Star for Tet.
I’m semi-retired, but go to my office most mornings. If you will, send your telephone number or email address to korneroffc@gmail.com and I will call or email you, whichever you prefer.
Thanks for your post. I’m looking forward to picking up from when we last talked.
Gary Hacker
Gary Hacker here, responding to Arville Hickerson. Pleased to hear from you. If you will, send me your email address or telephone number to korneroffc@gmail.com and I’ll contact you. I was thinking of you last week and discovered that I have lost your contact information.
Best regards,
thank you col. i have good memories of you as a good and reasonable man. i was unaware of the award until early may a few days before my departure. it was awarded at the university of miami rotc office. just another doing our part to getting the job.done. thank you for your great service for this country. like very much to have any pictures. i have a few including you presention my cmb.
Actually this is for Tina, but I’m not too computer smart.
A good friend and instructor and Co-Pilot for the flight department here in Atlanta that I managed From 2000-2017 ( strange relationship) was with the 49 near Tuy Hoa as the SDA. Bill Clary is his name. I believe he was there prior to 1969. I saw Bill 2 weeks ago but did not have your fathers name at that time. I have notes that I will bring with me to find out if he had any recollection of Watson.
Tom
Col Hickerson, I was also present at that battle when enemy tried to penetrate the North side (beach) of the compound.
In the morning, after they retreated, there was a suspicion that a Few were holed up in a small concrete bunker on the outer perimeter. I remembered Cpt Boles having to launch multiple M79 rounds into to entrance and finally one lone VC raised his hands to surrender (he was badly wounded & bleeding profusely) there may have been others dead enemies inside too?
Thank you to all that have served there, from the bottom of my heart!
DŨNG Do, ex ARVN Sgt
Dung do.
—Thank you for the compliment. I made a lengthy post on this site on D-Day 6 June, its 75th Anniversary, but it was deleted the moment it was posted probably because I violated some rule of this site.
—I had a delightful reunion with Henry Willis on 2 June 2019 in Belleair FL and intend to capsule it later.
—We discussed the VC attacks in Phu Yen in late 1967 leading up to the TET Offensive of January 1968 and actions in 1968. Among the people we discussed were the senior advisor Dan Leaty, the advisory team’s 2 commanders in 1967 and 1968 – COL Vernon Walters and BG Alfred Cade, MAJ Joseph Wratten and our other FACs, officers of the 173d Airborne brigade, the ROK 26th and 28th Regiments, the Tuy Hoa Air Base security commander, COL Hospelhorn and his attempt to do something to a Buddhist shrine on the west edge of the perimeter, and our Vietnamese counterparts [I had forgotten how tall Henry is (he must be at least seven feet) and his memory of events during our service together is comparable.]
—I wouldn’t trade the discussion and memories for anything.
—I trust you and your family are well.
—Appreciate your remembering me positively.
Arville Hickerson – 51 years ago in Tuy Hoa as the Deputy Senior Advisor, Phu Yen Province
Did you know a FAC pilot by the name of major Bill Paige (my father)?
Did you know Capt. Oscar Biehl, Jr.? He died in an ambush on 5/30/67 in Phu Yen province. He loved the Army. I loved Oscar and miss him still.
Maj (Col) Hickerson, Gary Hacket, Dung Do
Col Hickerson I remember you well. I can picture you now cheerfully eviscerating my poorly formed correspondence grinning behind your trend setter round sun glasses. Gary, I recall you comparing kill ratios to the compression ratio of your Porsche.
I came across this site while doing some research. Actually I used several M72 Law rounds to neutralize some bunkers that the VC were using. The memory that I have of the encounter was that I knocked down the shed where I thought the VC was firing from and thought they were eliminated. One of the cadre of the training center suddenly, on his own initiative, bravely rushed the position with a hand grenade. That is when we discovered that the VC had burrowed under the concrete pad of the shed and the VC shot and killed the cadre. Other Viets rushed forward an extracted the VC from his position to an uncertain future.
I have always regretted that I had not detected where the VC was because I could have easily wiped him out and saved a life. The dead man’s wife was there, she knelt over the body and sang the haunting grieving song of the Vietnamese women. As we were leaving seemed to look directly at me as if I had somehow motivated her husband to sacrifice himself.
Several days after the action, I visited the training center. The staff enthusiastically told me that they had discovered multiple bodies where I had fired, knowledge that gives me no pride given the passage of time and events. Later in life, as a civilian I worked for a multi-national technology company. On occasion I would encounter Vietnamese colleagues, typically from Hanoi, we were able to work effectively together illustrating the ability of humans to forgive and forget especially when there is a profit incentive.
Just glancing though the site, I see no mention of the most famous Team 28 alum, Major (iater much elevated) Colin Powell. Hopefully you are all well and prospering.
Cpt Boley, I am sgt Dung your ARVN interpreter while you were in S3 at Tuy Hoa. I would love to hear from you, I want to thank you for all you did while you were there. I rejoined my parents in 1974 in Annapolis MD and I am still living here all these years! Where did you retired to? Please drop me a few lines at :
dodinhdzung@gmail.com
Hope & wish you have a great summer,
DŨNG Do
Arville Hickerson here on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day: See Post Sep 7, 2018 @ 5:50 PM. (Email: alerhick@juno.com)
REUNION/REMEMBRANCE: 2 June 2019/6 June 1944 D-Day! Last Sunday Henry Willis and I visited for over 2 hours in my condo in Belleair FL and remembered1967 – 1968 in Tuy Hoa. Henry (a diminutive 7 footer, at least, has a superb recall of our team’s Vietnam then – names, dates, events) was a joy to talk and be with. Among the people we talked about: Dan Leahty (sp?), CORDS PSA; COL Nguyen van Ba, Province Chief, Phu Yen; COL Vernon Walters, Senior Advisor 1; BG Alfred Cade, Senior Advisor 2; CPT Gary Hacker; MAJ Wratten and the USAF FACS; LTC Phan Dinh Hung, Deputy Province Chief; Sector/District Chiefs “Dai uy”‘s; Katsuji Kobata/Ollie Guinn/Chuck Hanson/et. al., Sector Advisors . . . Events: Oscar Biehl’s, 5th SF Group, Cung Son, death while accompanying a Montagnard battalion ambushed by the Viet Cong on 30 May 1967//COL Hospelhorn, Security Commander, USAF Base Tuy Hoa’s run in with a Buddhist Shrine on the west perimeter – in his proposed razor wire – and advisor’s recommendation that he not attempt to move/alter/destroy the shrine or COL Ba would get him fired (maybe worse!) by calling GEN Westmoreland, a classmate at the CGSC, Leavenworth KS//Not so pleasant visits to the Advisory Team by the commander, 173rd Airborne Brigade, COL Cleland//A great reference: I was the Phoenix coordinator for the Province and worked with the assigned CIA operatives – the article is in the following download: “CORDS-Phoenix a189376.pdf”. It is 16 pages and a good read. [CORDS = Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support]
Hi Bob Ruth here reminder the attempt to go over our wire.
Hi. Did you know sfc Andrew yurasek? He was a medical advisor from April 68-69.
I was Phoenix Advisor at TM 28 at that time. We lived next to the Air field and I flew in the L19’s there during the battle. Unfortunately I ever saw the AA reports. I was lowly 2LT at the time but you guys were great.
I’ve completed a fiction book about Vietnam that includes a chapter that refers to the Macv Team in Tuy Hoa. The main character is assigned to the Macv Team 28 after completing a twelve month tour with the 1st Calvary near the DMC. I did not mention Team 28 because I did not feel I had that right until I cleared it with the members of Team 28. The book is in editing and should be ready for publishing in about three weeks. I did three tours in Vietnam. My unit was attached to the 1st Cav near the DMC for the first six months. In September 1968, the 540th Provisional (BARC) was transported by Navy LSD”s to Vung Ro Bay. I was in the Tuy Hoa area until May 1970 when I completed my obligation to the US Army. I returned to Vietnam and worked for Vinnell as a contractor until the fall of Saigon in April 1975. I flew out of Saigon in one of the last fixed winged aircraft which landed at Clark AFB one day before Saigon fell. I guess I should get to the point. If I have your permission I would like insert Team 28 identification into the edited version of the book. When I have the book published I would also like to send a copy to the administrator of this site. I can be found on Facebook as Thomas Moon.
Sincerely,
Thomas Moon
My name is Carlos Escobedo. I was the PsyOps officer attached to MACV Team 28 from May 1969 to May 1970. You have my permission to proceed with mentioning MACV Team 28 in your book.
Best regards,
Carlos Escobedo
Thank you sir. I will let you know when the book is published and send a copy.
Did you know Sgt Bill Hoke? Was my uncle. He was there.
Hello Carlos. Did you know my husband George Giansanti? He served in the 9th Spec Ops Squadron in Tuy Hoa June 69 to June 70.
Hello Martha,
Thank you for writing. First of all, the U.S. military presence at Tuy Hoa consisted of 2 primary components: MACV Team 28 which was located in the city of Tuy Hoa. The second component was the Air Force Base located just outside the city of Tuy Hoa. Was your husband in the Air Force? If so, he was probably stationed at the Air Force base. I was attached to MACV Team 28 in Tuy Hoa.
If I can be of more assistance, my email address is: cescobedo@aol.com
Best regards,
Carlos Escobedo
Hello Carlos. Yes, he was in the Air Force and part of the “spooky squad”….
Thank you so much for responding.
Might you have ideas how I can see if others might know him?
Hello Martha,
Thank you for writing and clarifying what branch of service your husband served in. One suggestion would be to reach out to Air Force “Spooky” reunion groups. You might want to Google “Air Force Spooky Reunions” and get in contact with a Reunion Group and start your search there. I hope this helps. My email address is: cescobedo@aol.com
Best regards,
Carlos Escobedo
Martha, I have been trying to reach you concerning your request to join the Tuy Hoa Group. I needed your husband’s name and now I found it.
i was in vn from11/22/66 till11/22/67 tuy hoa 226th
Im looking into my dads military past, his dd214 is full of holes and bs. He said he was TAD to SOG he was there late 1970 to 1971 he had a friend by the name of william elliot murphy who in the records died by misuse of a m79 grande, that it just blew up but my dad suffered from bad ptsd because he did get hit and he had a pack with him. My dads name was mark s. Jacobs usmc recon he went by jake or jakey. I know it was a big clusterfuck there but any info would help me understand what he went thru. Thank you and welcome home.
Hello Jonathan,
I value your Father’s service to our country. God bless him.
I regret that I did not know your father. I hope you are able to get information that will be helpful.
Best regards,
Carlos Escobedo
What is the name of your book?
It is titled “VUNG RO BAY”.
You can go to my facebook page and get details.facebook.com/thomas.moon
That link takes you to the wrong Thomas Moon. This should work. facebook.com/thomas.moon.129
Thomas, I am only one of many, but you have my approval to put Tuy Hoa into your book. Did we meet? I was the Province S-2 Advisor from November, 1967 through October, 1968. The PSA was Dan Leaty and my senior officer was MAJ Arville Hickerson.
I arrived at Vung Ro Bay in November 1968. I spent most of my time between Vung Ro and Phu Hiep and more time in Tuy Hoa than my command knew.
That should be September 1968. I never got a chance to get to Tuy Hoa until November.
The book is now available on Amazon. “Vung Ro Bay”. It’s in eBook format, you can download and read. There is a chapter on the MACV at Tuy Hoa.
T. Moon, did you by chance work with. FAC by the name of Major Bill Paige.
Thomas
You have my permission to use team#28 from me as an early us army advisor primary location Tuy Hoa
participating from Oct 63 to Oct 64 first asMAAG and later as MACV
Recently diagnosed with cancer due to Agent Orange I would be interested
In your book to share with my family
Please let me know
David Case
Jcase123@aol.com
thomas reading your book don’t usally read fiction, it is bringing back many memories and enjoyable, thanks , henry willis
It is the DMZ not DMC and the 1st Cav was not up in that area as far as I know.
Hello, I am looking for anyone who knew my Grandfather. His name and rank was S/Sgt. Billie Lester Beard. I am unsure of the unit he was in all my grandmother was told was in April of 1962 he and others were sent over to Vietnam to help the allies with learning to use radios. Unfortunately he died there. I am guessing he was stationed somewhere near the coast of Tuy Hoa, Vietnam. Any information or direction that I can take to learn more about what happened would be very helpful. Thank you.
Amber, I just found your post. I did not know Billie. But I can share some history. He is one of 15 Vietnam fallen who are from the Lompoc, CA area. Anyway, here is what I know about Billie:
He was infantry, SSGT as you say. He was born in McPhee, Colorado, and that gives us a clue as to how he ended up in Lompoc. McPhee was a logging camp, a company town. Its peak was in 1927, and he was born on 3 July 1934. As the timber ran out and the Great Depression deepened, people began migrating from McPhee to other places. The sawmill closed in 1946, and McPhee no longer exists. The site is now under McPhee Reservoir. There is no way to know what led his family the Lompoc area, but he ended up graduating from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, class of 1952. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Lon Beard, Star Route, Buellton; later, Route 1, Lompoc. He enlisted in the Army while he was in Sioux Falls SD. Soon after he enlisted, he completed a chemical warfare course. His military home of record is Lompoc. He had 8 years of service and was stationed in Korea and Germany before reporting to Vietnam. On 11 May 1957, in Berlin, he married Gerhild Helmeke. At some point he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 44th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis WA, serving as a wire chief. The work involved telecommunications systems. While he was at Fort Lewis he participated, along with other troops, in filming To Hell and Back (1955), starring Audie Murphy. He is buried in Lompoc and is honored on Panel 1E, Row 9; you probably know that. Names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are listed chronologically by casualty date. Of the more than 58,000 names, Billie is the 42nd and far too high to touch at the memorial’s vertex. Here is one of the memorial pages the GIs keep. It’s focused on Billie.
army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=BattleMemoryExt&ID=177335
I saw Ferguson die, he was our clerk at 173rd base in Tuy Hoa, Lille’s in front of me when a soldier went crazy, shot him then turned to kill me but his m16 jammed. Minutes later MP came and killed him, I have lived with this untold story 50 yrs
Hi Paul, sorry to hear of the burden you have carried for so many years. The V.A has helped me, I can only suggest you shouldn’t have to carry it alone. Peace be with You
Hello. I’m looking for information on the event’s of September 17, 1967, near Tuy Hoa. My father was a MEDEVAC pilot assigned to the 43rd Medical Group, who received a commendation for flying fourteen different missions to evacuate wounded ARVN from hostile fire.
Hi,
I am researching a flag that was given to
a LTC Sammy T. Cox
There is a card with the flag which states the flag was given to him by the South Vietnamese Province commander ( Phu Yen) during the time 1971. I believe this was MAT28s
area of operations.
Does anybody remember anything about this soldier or know if he was an advisor? Unfortunately he passed away
in 2008 and I can find little information on him other than
he did 2 tours in Vietnam.
Any help appreciated!
I believe LTC Cox was the Deputy Province Advisor.
Hi,
Thank you for the response. To this point I
had found more information related to
LTC Cox. There is
a very informative paper regarding Phu Yen and
the attempted “ Vietnamization “ attempt there
on the web.
The flag given to LTC Cox is styled after what I
have seen of a NVA propaganda flag. It’s red with
gold fringe and Vietnamese writing on it. 2 of
the Vietnamese words are “ Quyết Thắng“
or translated “ determined to win”. This was a common saying on NVA flags and propaganda.
I am wondering if this was a captured flag presented
as an “ end of tour” gift or if it was made specifically
for the LTC. I know “ end of tour” gifts were common. Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.
I could send a picture to anybody interested.
Thanks for your time and interest!
Eric Lt. Cox was the Deputy Commander at team 28 at the beach compound. I had the opportunity get to know him and his wife and two daughters. I picked them up at a small airport when he brought his family to Tuy Hoa. Myself and another person escorted his two daughters to a soft ball game on at the airbase.
Any info you could send would be sincerely appreciated
Guys, I do remember a LTC Cox being Deputy Senior Province4 Advisor. Do not remember his first name. There was a State Department guy named Mr. John Finney. I was at Tuy Hoa Team 28 Dec 1971, did a 6-month extension and left Team 28 March 1973. The ceasefire ended the war for us. I may have some pictures, need to look.
Send me an email address and I will send you a picture of team 28 from 70-71. It has LTC Cox bottom right second person in. best wishes.
My E-mail address is: jtpittman43@aol.com
thanks for the picture.
Robert I remember The LTC very well. I met his family when they visited LTC Cox.. I cannot remember his Wife’s name or his 2 daughters.
The daughters came to one of our softball games we had at the airbase. A civilian adviser and I escorted them to the game.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
David Genow
Hi David Genow
Last May you left a comment on the virtual memorial for my Daddy, Captain Kenneth Randal Price. You said you were with him the day he died and there was more story than you had room to share.
If you are willing to share the story I would appreciate hearing from you.
I hope you don’t mind me asking. If it is something you would not want to share I would certainly understand.
Thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Melissa – you may want to include your email address for David Genow to respond
David Genow my email is melissasmyth14@gmail.com
Thank you
Melissasmyth14@gmail.com
Yes I remember, the softball games driving back to the compound down highway 1 at night. Maj Harris pitched and a colonial I don’t remember his name, I thought he was LTC Cox. It’s been a while, we did have some good times in the middle of that big mess. I just want to tell you that you made it all more bearable to do the time. I was wondering did you ever buy your wife that wall size T.V. you mention she wanted. Genow, was Captain Price one of the captains that drown due to the under tow in the sea I remember having prayer service on the compound.
Wishing you and your family all the best.
Robert Bianchi
Tracy – I think my husband (who has passed) was at Tuy How in the time frame when you were there. His name was CPT G. Keith Quinney. Do you remember him?
I do not recall that name but my memory is fading the older I get.
Were you at Tm 28 1970 Phu Yen Prov? I have a photo with Bill Smith RF/PF Advisor, myself and possibly yourself outside medic’s bunker (can’t read name tag on jungle fatigues)? I was SMDSL advisor, later Province S-2 1970. You know anything about bridge dropped ‘75 offensive? Meerdink was still there then so was LTC To.
Hi Capt Richard Wiersema , I’m SFC Long your interpreter the time you’ re SMDSL seinor advidor ! Very happy to hear about you . How have you been lately !
Hi Eric,
I will give you my e-mail address, I have a picture of tm 28 in 1971.
Hi Robert,
That would be great and appreciated!
My email address is: embinder@hotmail.com
I also could send you a pic of the flag if you would be interested in seeing it.
Thanks again for your help!
Eric
Hi Robert this is John Etchart I believe we served together at MACV TV 28 during late 1970 & 71. I have a picture of you and I at that time. I left Tuy Hoa in March 1971 my last day in the army early out.
Hey John how are you, I would like to see the picture, Rbianchi2@rochester.rr.com
Hello Bianchi ! I am sure that I have a photo of you taken there. Be glad to send it to you, so tell me how to get in touch. Best regards, Frank Lindsey
Hey, how is it, here’s my e-mail-Rbianchi2@rochester.rr.com. Looking forward to seeing the picture.
Eric, not sure we know the same LTC Cox. I have pictures of LTC Cox, taken at a get together 1970 at Tut How. Send me a email and I will copy the photo’s and send to you.
Tom Shantz
Tshantz52@gmail.com
I,m not that sure any more, But I do recall catching for LTC Cox and Major Harris the big black guy in the middle in our softball games on the airbase. Let me know who you remember.
Charles your right I think that the guy I said is actually Lt. Zimmerman.
Seeking information on Advisory Team 28 1966-1967. Maj. Joseph B. Wratten Jr. Herb 30, Sector FAC. Also names on object I have are Maj. Patterson, Major Wall and Capt. Hart…SSgt. Hopkins, A1C Floyd, A1C Camps, A1C Schmitt, A1c Stoyka, A1c Pike and A2C Garrick.
Any information about the above that are on a shell casing would be appreciated. Contact me: George A. Bontya @ nantkit@aol.com
I was at MACV Team 28 Beach Compound July-June ’69-’70 as a
1LT Engineer Advisor. I was involved in building the compound’s
Anti-rocket fence and berms and bunkers. Also worked with the District Teams on engineering projects such Team houses and small bridge and road repair projects. My roommate was LT Carlos Escobedo, our Psychological Ops officer and my pal Capt. Jay Rhodes was our Phoenix officer. Our senior officers were Jim Engle (Phu Yen Province Sr. Advisor) LTC Sievers (Deputy Province Advisor). I remember swimming and surfing in the South China Sea, driving to the Tuy Hoa Air Force base for supplies and a Saturday night steak dinner complete with Korean girl band doing their best try with Aretha Franklin’s “RESPECT.”
I was a 1Lt at that beach compound from Jan 69 till Nov 69. Started working for a Capt Kelly in Phoenix when I first got there. Then ended up nights in the TOC. Engle and Sievers ring a bell. Your description in that last sentence resonates. I roomed with Lee Boatwright III about three doors down from the club where those bands played. I visited Lee in upstate NY about a year or so later. We saw the movie MASH and laughed so as some of the characters reminded us so much of guys on Team 28. Lee are you out there?
After returning to school and studying geology and biology, I had a career with the National Park Service at Dinosaur, Grand Canyon, Zion (the best) and Bighorn Canyon. Retired in Wyoming. Is the bunch of new comments due to watching Ken Burns series? That beach compound was not so bad all in all.
Hey Jim…just found this site…Love to catch up someday. Remember your visit/getting drunk @ the double feature of MASH & PATTON. Have not had a drink in 30 years in case you are wondering why I’m still here. Hope you pick up on this. Lea
I was there as a radio operator july 69 to june 70 with the FACS. I remember Maj Hoke, Capt Matt Shack. I recall the reconstruction of the towers. We were told they were lowered because the VC were using them as sights to walk the mortars across the compound. Do you remember Sgt Green who ran the motor pool? Big man. He once did a favor and fixed a vehicle for a vietnamese man who worked at the compound. When Sgt Green refused payment, the man came back the next day with a gallon size zip lock bag full of pot. He was hustled away while Sgt Green laughed his ass off. Anyone remember when the FACS pilots flew north to Quin Non and bought mountains of lobster and shrimp? We boiled the water over a fire. The fire was C4. First time in my life for lobster. Learned to love volleyball there. Played at least weekly until 11 years ago when I broke my neck when I was hit by a rogue wave at St Martin.
Hi Mike, I do remember Sgt. Greene. He was a great guy! Korean war vet with a big wound on his stomach. One day I saw him find an old beaten up Mule, and the next day he was riding it around the motor pool. He could fix anything. Another day he was leaving the Team 28 compound in a jeep pulling a trailer loaded with a pallet of one-gallon paint cans. He told me he was heading over to the Tuy Hoa air base with this ‘trading material’ and he wasn’t sure what he’d be coming back with. Later that day he returned with a case of pilot survival knives which he passed out to a bunch of us.
I do not recall working on the guard towers, but Colonel Sievers ordered me as Team Engineer Officer to get the entire defensive perimeter ready for an IG inspection complete with new berms, bunkers and an anti-rocket fence. I hired about two dozen Vietnamese day laborers Mon thru Fri, and I ran a work detail on Sat and Sun consisting of all team members who did not have a legit advisory task on those days. We got the job done!
I had a few extra duties on the Team: Special Services Officer responsible for entertainment activities the most popular of which was volley ball played after chow almost every day, jungle rules prevailed. I was also the Pay Officer and one month I had to deal with MPC conversion day where the existing MPC series became useless and was exchanged with the new series. I just remember all of the poor Vietnamese people lined up along the compound fence waiving the useless old series.
Paul
Paul, I am guessing you started being the pay officer in November or December of 1969. For much of the time I was there (Jan to Nov 1969) I was the pay officer and we had to drive to one of the districts but they provided a huey to get us to the other districts. Some of those rides were most memorable (like when it is not the passengers who lose their lunch) but they also let me see and appreciate the beauty of the countryside. I suspect you may well have had similar experiences. Jim
I believe we had two MPC conversion days while I was there. I had a unique opportunity to profiit on the second one. The FACS had an early morning mission and I had to have our radio up and running prior to 0500. Our bunker was located about a quarter mile down the beach. Around 0700, all the Vietnamese were going nuts about the conversion. I was off the compound and could have gotten thousands of MPC from them. An ARVIN captain I was friends with had $40 in MPC. It was added to mine which I converted later that day when I returned to the compound. He had traded Vietnamese currency with one of the US arty guys just the day before. That 40 bucks was a tidy sum for his family.
Hello Paul!
Great to see Your post on this site. I was your roommate, Carlos Escobedo. It’s Memorial Day, 2018. This site brings back a lot of memories of that time.
I am a CPA in Garland, TX. I hope you’re doing well.
All the best,
Carlos
Paul,
I read your post on this site. I am Carlos Escobedo and I was your roommate at MACV Team 28 compound. My email address is cescobedo@aol.com.
I’m a CPA in Garland, TX.
I hope to hear from you.
Best regards,
Carlos
Did you know Sfc Andrew Yurasek. He was medical advisor from april 68-69. He never talked about the war but did say he went swimming in the south china sea and ate steaks on the beach while the war was all around him.
I am looking to see if anyone may have heard of a Captain/Major Forrest (Bill) Paige. Was a FAC pilot (O-1) between Feb 68 and 69. Call sign Herb 30.
As a FAC pilot your dad’s call sign would have been Herb 31, 32, 33, etc. Herb 30 was the call sign of FAC ground radio operations center, usually at the Provincial Hq TOC (Tactical Operations Center). As a Major he has likely the ALO (Air Liason Officer) and leader of the Air Force element with the call sign Herb 31. As senior Captain he would be Herb 32, and so on. I was one of the radio operators arriving little more than a year after your dad left. I hope these details give you more questions to ask your dad about, and hopefully get him to open up more to you. It goes without saying that what he did in the air with that little airplane was nothing less than heroic. He earned your pride.
Thank you for that information. I am trying to gain an understanding of what he did for both personal and historical purposes. I am a history professor and am conducting some research for a possible paper.
Bill I asked you for the info you had on battles in Dong Xuan district which I was a xo there! We were hit with satchel charges that destroyed our compound which u could throw a grenade across! You sent me papers I could not download or read! Could you send me that info as I am in va and need some help! Thks for your dedication to that time period! I knew col ba well.. a malicious Provence chief and would be more than happy to talk to you! Thks
Mr. Brown, Major (Col) Paige passed away several years ago. I am his son and a historian/sociologist attempting to gain insight into his time in Vietnam. I apologize, but I just came on to this site two days ago so have had no contact with you prior to then. Did you know my father? Was he a FAC that worked your zone of responsibility?
Please tell me when your father was at MACV Team 28. My memory on names is a little suspect at times, but if he was there from around Dec 1969 to June 1970, I have a couple stories I would like to relay.
Major Paige was there between Feb 68 and Feb 69.
If you decide to write that paper, or just want to talk about your dad, please remember that we are here. My own dad (also not with us) was a career Marine doing his last 3 combat tours in Vietnam. Yes, we were there at the same time….but that’s another story.
Thank you for your assistance and your offer for a sympathetic ear. I will definitely take you up on the offer. Though my father lived in to my adulthood, I was told he was not the same man that left for the war and was very reserved in his accounts of his experiences. My family is curious as to his tour and the events that transformed him. As a historian and a sociologist, I am trying to gain an understanding as to the dynamics that ban soldiers together in crisis and how it affects their coping abilities.
I urge you to google: Tributes-FAC. Your dad had a dangerous job and these are the stories of those FAC pilots who gave their all. The insights you seek may begin there. By now you’ve read all the posts for Team 28. They are the tip of the iceberg. Bonding and coping? One step at a time.
Bill, I don’t think bonding occurs “in crisis.” It either already exists, or occurs after. Among the military it has many gradients. The “common” bond we all had by being there. The “close” bond came from getting to know each other while enduring the same environment. “Tight” bonds grew between individuals and small groups through unique experience. I admit not having the skill and background to further explain this. These are just my thoughts and observations. Coping is easier…this page is full of coping!
Bill how old or you and when did your father marry your mom? I knew the Face pilot of the Air Force at Tuy Hoa but have reasons why I ask! The guy he took the place of was shot down in my district and our team retrieved his body!
I was newly born when he was deployed. Major Paige was in Vietnam between Feb. 1968 and Feb. 1969. He arrived two months after Major Ommie Truman Cox Jr. who was shot down (16 December 1967). It is possible my father was the replacement for Major Cox.
Yes I knew him … went up with once truly fine honorable guy.. actually fun! He was a Very brave officer who we respected by my whole team! Very wise about military! Jimmy Stewart like! … it was a honor spending time with him!
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
S.F. Brown: How did your paths cross? My mother recalls your name.
He took me up from Dong Tre SF camp and we flew over my district Dong Xuan on reconI rememember being in his room but for the life of me don’t know if it was at af base or at province ! But we hit it off and I was a 1lt of 22 so much to learn! There were a few officers you remember&he and major craven were the ones that stuck out! Knowledgeable warriors ! We talked on radio when he flew over my village! What did your mom do while he was overseas ? Anything special?
Who was the fac pilot who went down in Dong Xuan district April may of 68… our team went after his body in jungle!
Wayne Ferguson or Herman Smits. Check the list at: Tributes-FAC
I did find 1 Herb Fac (so far) shot down 50 miles west of Tuy Hoa in December 1969. Maj Ommie Cox. Its a long list when not just scanning 1968. I’m only up to the D’s.
Thks got my dates wrong
Frank, did you get the pictures I sent you?
hi pat this is raymond bartlett as i look over the posting i can recall some of the people lt, green jack island sgt dong
Hey Bartlett. Good to here from you. hope your well.
I was Herb 301. (Enlisted had three digits)
I remember using that after you left, and also using my personal call sign (first and last letter of last name) when talking to other radio operators on the net. Once the pilots and radio operators got to know each other by voice, things became more personal. Word got out that my girlfriend nicknamed me Teddy Bear and I became Tango Bravo to all the FACs. Mind you this was all secure voice traffic, we maintained strict discipline on the open net.
Now that’s funny. My best friend was in DaNang with Marines same time in was at MACV Team 28. Everyone who knows him calls him Teddy Bear.
Major Paige,
I believe I went up flying with you a couple time on your O-1 Bird.
I remembered we had a WP rocket hang up on the pod. You tried to shook it out by diving, hard pull up and twisting (didn’t work), you tried many times but at the end you had to declare an emergency and diverted to Tuy Hoa AF base.
The emergency crew gave us a grand welcome by lining up the runway when you landed….all went fine.
Many time you did take us to Cung Son SF camp and landed at their strip or Dong Xuan .
Thank you for serving there, you and Capt. Johnson gave me the bug of flying by allowing me to control the stick (strapped on the floor and we had to lock it on the middle control bar between the 2 seats and lift up the rudder pedals that were laying flat on the floor).
I did get my private flying licence here in the States in the 70s and still go up with friends that have airplane anytime I can.
I had the blessing to meet Sgt Hardesty again when he visited DC back in May 2017 (too short of a visit, we shall have to do it longer next time).
So, whenever you can or want to come to the Washington DC area (Northern VA and MD) please let me know, anyone from Tuy Hoa team 28 is always welcome, your home away from home is here.
Sgt Dung Do ex ARVN
Sgt Dung Do, thank you for your response. I am sorry to say that my father is no longer with us. Ironically, he too lived in DC during his later years as does my mother. Before that, we lived in Hawaii. I am the son of Forrest Paige trying to gain an understanding of what he did for both personal and historical purposes. I am a history professor and am conducting some research for a possible paper. May I ask of you additional insight as to who my father was during the Vietnam War and what he did?
Mr. Bill Paige, it will be an honor to talk about major Paige!
You can contact me at :
dodinhdzung@ Gmail.com
Sgt Dung Do. Sorry for butting in. My name is Richard Wiersema. I think I might have known you when I was at Tm 28 in 1970. Worked first at SMDSL. Then asked for move to S-2. I also had a chance to ride with USAF pilots a couple of times.i don’t remember names of the pilots anymore.
Hello from Annapolis MD to you Richard!
First, thank you for your service & sacrifice in helping us back then! Very glad to have you back!
I was mostly attached to S3, and went out with any teams in operation with the RFs companies, did for them a lot of airborne assaults trainings, teaching them how to embark & disembarked from helicopters!
I was attached to the VN mechanized platoon of the province headquarters when they had to train with the 173rd airborne mechanized, the Vietnamese were to take over the M113 APCs after the withdrawal of US units.
But, I am still bad at remembering names, so forgive me! Out of about 8 Sgt interpreters assigned to Phú YẾN province I only remember 4 of them. Our US officers were rotated so often that I never had a chance to know them better. I do remember the pilots because I loved to fly and it was a big deal for me, Major Paige (deceased) and Cpt Johnson were the two I flew with the most, from that it took me to a private single engine pilot license in the States in the early 70s.
I hope you are enjoying your well deserved retirement, so if in your travels, you should decide to head for this Washington DC area, please do stop by Annapolis, where you always be welcome!
I am still active in law enforcement, I guess to close the circle: wearing a uniform at the beginning of my adult life and wearing another uniform at the end for retirement?
Please take care and hope you will keep in touch.
Major Forrest Page was the ALO (and a FAC) for Phu Yen Province during the first months I was assigned to the USAF TACP at MACV Tm 28. (He was followed by Maj. George Hoke a few months later.) I was the team’s (19 year old) Intelligence Ops Specialist. As the intel operator, I flew many times in the back seat with Maj. Page on tree-top level recon missions and ground support operations. Being fresh out of H.S. and into the Air Force, I was short on writing skills. Yet, the Air Force wanted comprehensive, weekly and monthly intelligence assessments for our area of operations. I did my best with the reports and Maj. Page, a patient man, edited my reports before submission–and gave me grammar lessons along the way. I have a copy I’ve kept over the years of a USAF special order assigning Maj. Page (and me and others) to Team 28 in Jan 1969. I can send you a copy of the S.O. if you write to me at jisla@inquesta.com.
Was he Air Force ?
I remember your dad well…great guy…when he hurt his back and I was the mess officer I brought him Lobster tails room service to his hooch. He was right across the hall from me at the time.
My father was Sfc Andrew G. Yurasek – Advisory Team 28 stationed in Tuy Hoa from April 1968 to April 1969. Medical advisor. DId anyone know him?
Yes a fine man very conscience about his patients.. there same time actually! Should be proud of your father very empathetic to all!
For Dick Eastland – Hello; I saw that you possess a duty roster. Is there a chance that it shows Army Captain James R. Zimmerman, XXX-XX-8360?
I did not know him, but am trying to get leads for an octogenarian friend on his whereabouts or fate. He is not on the Wall. My (his) friend remembers that the captain’s mailing address was Team 28, but he is unsure when that was.
My thanks, either way!
My dad was in MACV team 28. He said there were about 13 soldiers, but never operated as a full team. Looking for any members.
Jennifer, I was assigned to Team 28 from November ’67 through October ’68. What was your father’s name?
Then he was in one of the Outpost ! Probably a 8 man team and a matts.. need name of what village or hamlet!
Gary Hacker… Did you know a FAC Pilot by the name of Forrest (Bill) Paige?
Name!
I was in country between Oct 70 to Nov 71, at team 28 beach compound. The names I remember are Dale Mancuso, Bill Wohl, Larry Martin, maj Harris, also a guy from I believe wisconsin, ‘Geno’.
Lost all my pictures etc in a fire… would appreciate you sending anything you have picture wise spend a month there in Privince before leaving!!! Dong Xuan team 68/69.. also at Cung Son thks my email address sfrank_brown@yahoo.com
On this Memorial Day Weekend, we thank all who served. I’m writing on behalf of my father-in-law who served at Tuy Hoa from 12/69-1/71. His name is Taketora Hirano (Sgt.). He wants to know if anyone was there at the time and remembers a Garcia, and two others named Johnson. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
J. Honda
I was in team 28 on MAT II-57 at that time, however, I was at the ARVN compound in Tuy Hoa for 6 months & at Song Cau for 6 months
What did you do at Song Cau?
Apologies for butting in but I think I have a picture of you, Bill Smith and I taken in front of the medic bunker. I was for a brief time assigned as SMDSL advisor in 1970. As an air defense officer nobody knew quite what to do with me. Got stuck there for awhile then talked Russell Meerdink into letting me move over to be S-2 Advisor, applied for switch to Intell Branch and retired after 22 years.
I was there 1969 – 1970. I remember Frank Garcia from Wichita Kansas. Frank was stationed as a radio operator at the M.A.R.S. station at the airbase, not the MACV compound. I remember smuggling him off the base so he experience life off the airbase. He never asked again. Must have scared him.
I remember a Sgt Hirano at MACV Team 28 beach compound. I arrived in country Oct 1970 with a few others maybe he remembers when he was head of security for the compound. Sgt Hirano do you remember Tucker Williams, lonny smith and me on your security team at the main gate. I will always remember when you rolled a rock into the guard shack and walking in right behind the rock, you said, that could have been a grenade and that we should be up and close to the door being aware. I followed those words of wisdom throughout my tour of duty. I hope all is well with you. I have thought of you often from your telling me about Ramen Noodles, Its been a great hot plate meal over the years. Wishing you all the best. Robert Bianchi
I have a group photo of team 28 about may 1971. I’m not sure how to attach it in a reply but i will try to figure it out till then take care.
Robert Bianchi, my husband was Deputy Sr Adv Team 28 in country 08/69-06/70. He mentioned Tuy something, never talked much about it. I would appreciate seeing the photo just in case he’s in it. Cpt Owen (Dwayne) Disney. He passed last November from myelodysplastic syndrome. email is sued@yucca.net.
Susie I’ sorry I served on the compound from Nov 70-Nov71
HI tucker I.remember you I looking my team Cat Garcia Lt, King, Sgt Shonson Sgt Shonson Mid, at Tuy An,
I know Sgt Hirano from team 28 tuy hoa. Maybe he remembers the two black men and an italian american from New York. We were assigned to guard the main gate when we arrived in Oct 70.I have great respect for Sgt Hirano as I have mentioned in other replies. I have a group photo I would like to share, I have no way to attach it , only through an e-mail address would I be able to share. peace to all!
Robert, you should be able to load your photo on a photo hosting website such as Photobucket or Smugmug and hopefully people could download it from there. I haven’t used either one but they may be worth looking into. I was at the beach compound from Jan 70 thru mid Mar 71. I don’t remember your name but we would have surely known each other. Also remember Sgt. Hirano but from when he was at Tuy An.
Steve, I uploaded a photo of tm 28 1971 I’m on the bottom right, it’s on Imgur photo site
I can’t find the photo, Robert. Tried searching using various terms, tm 28, macv, etc. with no luck. Can you post a link to it?
Me too, I couldn’t even find the search button. It was all listed by day.
Lou send me an email address and I will send the picture.
Thanks in advance sir. Send the pic to louiscole@att.net. Are you interested in pics taken in and around the provincial toc?
Hey Lou, send me the pictures you mentioned. rbianchi
Are you on FB? Friend me and I’ll PM the pics I have of the beach compound from 1970.
Hi Steve, I will send you my e-mail address then I can attach a picture of team 28 in 1971.
Thanks for checking back in here, Robert. Be sure to replace the @ symbol in your email address with AT or something similar. The spam bots are always looking for full email addresses. I think you might get a number of requests for copies of that photo.
Steve, meant to reply sooner. I spotted the flickr site, i have a picture of that same mama son smiling throwing the finger. I hope all is well, I was wondering if the team 28 photo was helpful. I’m the guy on the bottom right. Oh, that one photo of the corrugated hooch roof torn by a mortar was the night lance corporal Dupont was spread by shrapnel and we had to go like hell to medivac him to the tuy hoa airbase hospital. It was a trigger for me, but don,t let me discourage you from posting these photo they can help. thank you again!
Robert, I’ve never seen a copy of the photo. Here’s an email address for me, try attaching the photo to a note: s_dike@yahoo.com
Did Lcpl Dupont survive his wounds from that night? I thought he didn’t make it but if that’s wrong, I need to update the info on my photo.
Steve I have found some photos most are from the chopper,some of my friends, and some of the club. Hope all is well.
Great, looking forward to seeing them.
HI I like to see group photo , taketorah44@gmail,com thank you.
hi
Hi Carl, sarge should remember Geno he was with him when Geno was wounded in the back on guard duty at the rear tower. I was lucky that night the first round hit my hootch and I was pulling tower duty on the beach side of the compound for someone else.
Hi Geno I wounded my head also my hooch hit by first round nice to reply from you,
I have a picture of you.
Hi Carl, I am the guy that was wounded with you, Geno, (Genow) Hope everything is well, and your still singing
I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO.
David Genow
Hello Geno,
I remember you. I was in the bunker (center of the compound, straight east of the med bunker) that you ended up in the night you were wounded. If I remember correctly, you caught shrapnel in your back? What was that date? I was mail clerk for a while and probably clerking at Prov. HQ when you were there. Hope you recovered completely. Robert Bianchi sent me a copy of the group photo with you in it. Carl mentioned Lt. King in an earlier note, he signed me out when I headed home. I’ve got a bunch of pix here: flickr.com/photos/scdike/albums/72157641677635223
Steve Dike
Steve, I am Paul Cote, 1LT Army Corps of Engineers. I was head quartered at the Beach Compound and served as the Phu Yen Province MACV Engineer Advisor for Phu Yen Province from July ‘69 to June ‘70. Your photos and comments from your letters home are very strong memory joggers for me. I remember visiting all of the district locations you mentioned, each one unique. I also recall Tuy Hoa city Main Street and lining up for the wait to get over the RR bridge over the Song Da Rang River on my way to the Air Force Base. Your shots of the Beach Compound brought back many memories: Bac Hai, Chop Chai, the ‘barracks’, mess hall, motor pool (Sgt Green, fixed all vehicles), admin office (Capt. Bryant), the tall chain link anti-rocket fence around the perimeter that we constructed using shot up 20’ sections of 6” fuel pipe. I flew all over the province inspecting and repairing (with great help!) damaged bridges and roads. I worked with a big tall Sargent from West Va. —can’t recall his name. You mentioned an Engineer Advisor, LT Gibson. He must have been my replacement.
My wife and I visited Tuy Hoa in 2017, and I am very sad to report that the entire Beach Compound area is flattened, just rubble. Lots of VC anger must have gone on there. I’m pleased to report that the Province HQ building is still there with a new coat of paint and new flag!
In early ‘70, I remember a Saturday morning drive to Vung Ro Bay where the MPs based there took us out on their boat so we could ‘fish’ with concussion grenades. Afterwards we had a big fish cook out back at the Beach Compound.
My roommate was another LT, Carlos Escobedo. He was our Psyops Advisor. Great guy, now a retired accountant in a suburb of Dallas. After I got home, I got into sales and advertising until I retired. Then, my wife and I moved from NJ to Sarasota, FL. I’ve been volunteering at our local VA Clinic until they stopped the volunteering in March due to COVID-19.
I did not sign up for VA benefits until I got down here only to find out that my prostate cancer and heart problem were likely due to Agent Orange exposure — must have been a lot of it sprayed all around Tuy Hoa, not only in the boonies. I applied for benefits, and the entire process took about six months.
Anyhow, thanks for the memories.
Paul Cote
(973) 568-9982
Good to hear from you, Paul. Glad you enjoyed the photos and they re-kindled some old memories. I was working for Cpt. Bryant as part of the admin section when I got there. Can’t remember exactly when he left but he was still there when we were all moved to the Province HQ following Russell Meerdink’s arrival. I still remember he was getting close to leaving the Army or re-upping and was trying to decide what to do. One day he asked Terry Reynolds and I what we thought, really caught us off guard. Sure we probably told him to get out. I remember a Major McGowan being 2nd in command, don’t think LTC Donald Clark was there when I arrived in Jan, 1970. Also remember Sergeant Kempf, an E7, being part of the section. Glad I got the pic of Bac Hai, he’s as classic of an old Vietnamese guy as you can get.
Several years ago I found some photos of the compound on Google Earth. Can’t remember much about them but I checked yesterday and they’re no longer there. They likely took the buildings down hoping for more new growth in the area. The current satellite photo of Tuy Hoa was done in July of this year, the sprawl around the area is amazing. Google Earth got rid of all the old photos a few years ago, now they’re mostly just showing businesses.
Looking back, wish I had taken the time to learn more about what we were doing over there and taken more pix of personnel on the compound. You’re the only person that’s made any extended comments about those photos.
As I mentioned in one of the photos, I ended up working for Morrison-Knudsen, and their various incarnations over the years, as a quality control inspector. Was able to retire early at 61, end of this year will be ten years ago. Left the Midwest about a year or so after leaving the service, been in Western Colorado for 42 years. Still doing well, did a 25-27 mile backpacking trip over three days in the fall of 2018. Try to hit the gym three days a week and throw in some biking in between. This will be my 2nd winter going to AZ.
I’ve been working on a website dedicated to US WWII Tank Destroyer Units for about 10 years. If you have the time, check our site out: tankdestroyer.net/
Take care,
Steve Dike
970-901-0229
Steve, thanks for your reply. I liked your Tank Destroyer site — some great shots. I always wondered why the Tuy Hoa air base got shut down. I really needed their resources for bridge, road and building materials. I have a short PowerPoint file that I presented to my local YMCA. Send me your email address and I’ll send it to you. My email is cotepaul44@gmail.com.
Steve any pictures you cold send would be great. Just found this site a short time ago. Glad to see people from team 28 from 70 and 71 are communicating.
Email address davge3@aol.com
Geno, All of my photos are posted here: flickr.com/photos/scdike/albums/72157641677635223
John Etchart sent me a bunker assignment list from late Jan, 71 that I’ posted in this album. I told you the wrong location for the bunker I was assigned to, it was WEST of the medical bunker, not east. Bunker #6.
Thanks Steve
Sent from my iPhone
>
Hi Sgt Hirano, I was in Vietnam during the time period of 12/69-3/71. I think I remember you. You where wounded when the VC Hit Team 28 with motor rounds.
I am a vet with an octogenarian vet friend who is not computer savvy. He would like to find or know the fate of U.S. Army Captain James R. Zimmerman, SSN 8360, who served with Team 28 (dates unknown). They had been associates prior to & during his tour, but lost contact thereafter. Your help is sincerely appreciated.
I have a picture of tm 28 with Zimmerman in it. Send me an email address I will Send the picture. best wishes
You are indeed a scholar and a gentleman, Robert! ANY info about Captain Zimmerman will be Very Much Appreciated! It has been baffling to me that until now, he seemed to be unknown at Team 28, which was his APO address. My sincere thanks for the picture and any data. … even the approx date? Might you know any stories about him or his fate that I can relate? Please notify me again if my email address does Not appear for you. Best regards.
Hi again, Robert. If it did not appear with my first reply, my email address is covanmydaiuy@yahoo.com.
I was in Tuy Hoa from Dec. 1966 to July 1968
I was a Security Police assigned to Tiger Flight.
At Tuy Hoa USAF from 1969 to 1970
Crew Chief for F-104
I have a copy of the duty roster from Oct 67 showing an A1c Lopez…….Dick Eastland 6-67/5-68
Hi looking for info for my father. He served 67-68 MACV Team 28
A.J.: Thanks so much for getting back to me. I had given up. Is your father available for me to talk to? Dave Curtin.
Johnny,
I was there 9-67 and med evacuated out in December 67. Then 9-5-68 to 9-5-69. Major Craven, Sgt. Thaxton, Sgt Dung, Smittie, Gonzales. Bartlet, are some of the names. Can’t remember you but, that doesn’t mean anything after all the years have passed. Thanks for your service.
Sgt Hardesty
I have concern about a post I sent a while back looking for buddies of my brothers. My post has been used 6-7 more times by someone else. Hiding behind it I guess. I’m a 60 yr old non expert on the internet. A Facebook group I also belong to found an article about my brother. I googled his name that evening to research particulars about the commendation he received & that’s when I discovered. Has anyone else experienced. Can send screen shots on request.
Send me your email address and I will send you the pictures I have. I have a few of the compound from air.
Pat Hardesty
Pat, Not sure we might have had any contact…..I was at Tuy Hoa Dec. 66-Dec. 67. I was with USAF 31st TFW. We worked on the F-100s.
Arrived lived in tents for about 5-6 months while the base was built. I worked in the A&E shop for the F100s. Lived with several Comm/Nav
folks who lso worked on F100. Wondered if you might remember some names from the period. Lt Bidgood, Protestant Chaplin (Capt),, Larry Morgaqn, Chuck Broussard, Sgt Stillman….just thought I’s take the chance. Would love to hear. Thank you for your service to your Country and Welcome Home.
I’m Ben Snow, Tuy Hoa 1968-69 31st, looking for former AGE troops or anyone with AGE pictures or pictures of downtown Tuy Hoa. BSnow2000@aol.com
Thks send it to board but here it is sfrank_brown@yahoo.com !! Really appreciate! Thks Frank
I am hunting it the mountains. As soon as I get home I will send to you via drop box. I have about a 100 pictures.
Pat
Pat I was there in 68 69 as assistant district advisor at dong xuan and later clung son the last month I spent at Macv compound working with Col Bi ((so) on special projects. At my going away party a navy officer on a destroyer came in with others and unfortunately lost his leg on the boat returning him which was horrible but we visited him and he was in high spirits . You mentioned you have pictures all mine were destroyed in a fire . I would appreciate any you might have. I remember your name but not your face.
I was detached from the 261st. Signal. We ran the communications bunker with the VHF, phones on the compound and other communications. I spent time with Maj. Craven on convoys sgt. Dung was the interpertor I remember. Went up a few times with the FAC pilot as a spotter. Don’t remember any of the girls you talked about but, do remember the little sack on the beach! If you ever get your pictures on digital I would like to see them. I have a few and if you want me to send them to you give me your email. When I left for the last time 9-3-69 I was a sgt. E-5.
I remember the comm bunker. I was in there a few times. There were 3 of us living in the hut across from the PX and at least one of the guys worked in the comm bunker. Wish I could remember name!! I few once with one of the FAC pilots. He was also a Black belt instructor in Taegwondo and started a class at night teaching. There were 5 or 6 of us in his class. I worked up to a brown belt before I left. I will find all my pictures and start scanning them. I’ll keep you posted. My email is alovejoy@theoldmusicman.com. I’m also on FB.
I remember the comm bunker. I was in there a few times. There were three of us sharing the hut across from the PX and at least one of the guys was Signal and worked in the comm bunker. Wish I could remember names! I left in March or April of 69, sgt e-5 also. I went for a flight or or two with one of the pilots who was also a Black Belt Instructor in Taekwondo. He started a night class that 5 or 6 of us joined. I worked up to Brown Belt before I left. I’m going to find my pictures and start scanning them. I’ll keep you posted. My email is alovejoy@theoldmusicman.com.
I guess it doesn’t want me to post my email. I’ve tried twice.
I remember the comm bunker. I was in there a few times. There were three of us sharing the hut across from the PX and at least one of the guys was Signal and worked in the bunker. One of the pilots there was a Black Belt Instructor in Taekwondo. He started a night class and 5 or 6 of us joined. The interpreter I had was civilian. He was with me almost all the time because I was dealing with the guys at the Chieu Hoi compound in Tuy Hoa, and in the outlying villages in the area with the SyOps team. I’m going to dig out all my pictures and start scanning them. I’ll keep you posted. This site won’t let me post my email but you can find me on FB.
I left there in March, or April, of 69, sgt e-5.
I’m going to try it this way and see if it works. alovejoy at theoldmusicman dot com.
Is it possible you may be referring to Capt. Bob Barrons?
I was in charge of the Comm Center for Team 28 briefly in 1969 and responsible for the big surfboard we kept in the Comm Center gladly donated by the Tuy Hoa Air Base not…
I remember you! Nice to here from you after all these years. I have a few pictures too.
I was there 9-67 to 12-67 and 9-68 to 9-69.
Your name sounds familiar, but I’m terrible with names! Sorry. What did you do there? I remember some people there but only a few names. I bunked in the hut across the walk from the little PX. Shacked up with the girl that worked in the PX but can’t remember her name. I also had an interpreter and got to know he and his family but can’t remember his name either. I do remember 2 girls (sisters) who worked in the mess hall, Kim Lee and Mi Lee. Beautiful French Vietnamese girls. I’ve thought many, many times over the years wondering what happened to all of my Vietnamese friends after the US pulled out. Guess I’ll never know…..
Sgt Alan Lovejoy, MACV Team 28 beach compound, 68-69. I was the Chieu Hoi Advisor there. Worked closely with the SyOps group. I do remember the commander of the compound (don’t remember his name) who did not like me because I was not under his command and could come and go from the compound anytime I wanted to regardless of his restrictions. I also had a jeep and a new 68 Chevy pickup I drove. That man did not like me at all! I have a lot of pictures somewhere of the compound and a lot of the other people who were there at the time that I really need to dig out and go through. That was my second year in ‘nam. My first year was with the 199th Light Infantry in the III Corps area.
Alan, did you know my dad, Andrew Yurasek.
I was the graves registration officer in tuy hoa April 1 1968 thru March 30 1969, army 226th s&s company, 501st s&t bn. I also ran the dos schloss any one else remember this ?
Hi Troy – We served together at the 226th S&S in 68-69. I was the II & IV officer, mess officer, PBO and XO overlapping most of your tour. I arrived in June 68 and left a year later. I do recall the “Schloss” – a little castle of an O club on the beach.
All: Never a member of TM 28 but would like to offer just a small recollection about Tuy Hoa during TET 68. Only time I was there…
I was a 1st Lt assigned to the 173rd Abn Bde as a POW interrogator. We were largered in just down HWY 1. I, and two others, were ordered to go join our reaction force that was helicoptered in to assist the forces fighting at the airfield. It was seriously engaged with the VC Bn that had overrun our 319th Arty battery that was positioned there. Our transport up to the airfield was by a jeep traveling as fast as it would go in the pitch darkness. Thankfully, we experienced no contact or incoming fire in route. When we arrived at the airfield. our reaction forced had already managed to recover the arty position and our howitzers. Enemy had withdrawn slightly westward by the time our small group and several accompanying LRRPs arrived . Spent the next two hours collecting documents from pockets of enemy dead to successfully gain intelligence as to the identity unit we were fighting. We remained in Tuy Hoa city for two days before returning to our 173rd TOC down Hwy #1. On the second day,I have a vivid memory of sitting on top of a small knoll with troops of our E-17th Cav unit (part of our Bde) as they bore-sighted jeep mounted 106 recoilless rifles into upper story windows of buildings just below the knoll. This engaged several VC that had taken up fighting position there. The action forced the VC to run down to the first floor and out the front where they were greeted by ARVN fire and quickly terminated. We got no POWs from this action. As I recall the action in Tuy Hoa petered out reasonably quickly and the 173rd moved on. My next location turned out to part of a Bn size task force operation in the Kontum area. All the best to all who served so valiantly in all our combat services during this horrendous time of TET 68!
Ed Anthony; Did you see a Huey flying back and forth over Tuy Hoa your first day of Tet? It contained two observers attempting to pin-point VC/NVA fighting positions for targeting purposes. I was one (I was the Province S-2 Advisor). The other was Major Arville Hickerson, the Deputy Senior Military Province Advisor (the Province Senior Advisor was Dan Leaty, a civilian Foreign Service Officer). The attack began at dark the night before. The compound, which was about a quarter of a mile north of Province HQ, received two mortar rounds followed by an attack on the North perimeter of the compound. There was a TOC in the Compound, but no one could get to it because of steady automatic weapon fire from the North right across the door of the TOC. Our RF/PF perimeter guards abandoned their posts, and the perimeter was actually breached. We fought them until almost sunrise, when they disappeared, probably to get back home in time to be at work (we later learned that the attack on the compound was carried out by VC, and the attack on the airfield was by NVA). That morning we advisors and our counter-parts put a SITCOM together and I was dispatched via province helicopter to the 173rd HQ to brief BG Schweiter. When I returned to Province HQ., MAJ Hickerson and I began our aerial recon of the city. I suspect that many of the targets you watched being taken out the next day were targets that we identified. It was a bit scary up there – a lot of stuff was flying through the air. The helicopter crew all received DFC’s. Arville and I received Air Medals w/V. I have forgotten a lot of the facts I witnessed or was told of that night in the compound. If anyone else reading this can add or correct facts I’ve stated, I would like to hear from you. As a MI Branch officer, I got a lot of questions about how I earned an Air Medal with V, especially at the Career Course. I also got a lot of questions about how I was awarded a CIB, but that’s another story which can be read about under MACV Team 42.
Mr.Hacker: Enjoyed reading your comments. Long time ago but I can remember those few days In Tuy Hoa like it was yesterday. As to your question about seeing a Huey flying and searching for targets..yes. I distinctly remember that while I was with E/17 Cav troopers as they fired the 106’s down in the houses below the little knoll they were in contact with the pilots in the bird. We were slightly on the south side of the town. Myself and SFC Bob DeStatte were sent to Tuy Hoa from the Bde Hq’s several klics south of Tuy Hoa by Gen Schweiter , along with 6 LRRP’s as an escort, shortly after the action started. Our mission was to find out who in the hell we were in contact with as he was not getting the info he wanted from the Arty guys in contact. Both of us were Viet speakers and he figured we could do his bidding. Well, we did manage to get his desired intel but we were not so happy about driving up Rt#1 hell bent for leather in the pitch dark. When got there just before dawn broke and just as the battle on the airfield was winding down and the NVA were retreating back to the west. We actually got engaged by seven or so NVA that were lagging a bit behind their retreating folks. We unassed our jeeps and took up positions along side RT#!, Had small exchange of fire, but they broke off the action quickly and Di-D-i Mauded. Nobody on either side was hit as I remember. After that we joined up with the Arty guys at the airfield as they regained control of the field. Spent the next few hours searching thru many enemy KIA bodies for docs and other stuff and actually were able to get the ID info the Gen wanted. Later that day we hooked with the E/17th Cav troops and stayed with them for about two days as they worked to help clear the city. Unfortunately, Bob and I never got a live one to interrogate throughout the whole time.
I also am an MI officer that was queried about wearing the CIB. Questions stopped as soon as I explained that I earned the CIB as a SSG as an inf/intel advisor for RF/PF on TM 89 down in Phouc Tuy during Dec 64-Dec 65. My 2nd tour. Lots of action as we would get in contact just about every time we left the compound in Baria. First tour was with MAAG Vietnam as a Sp5 intel type in May 63-May 64 in Can Tho. , Finally got wise and went to INF OCS at Benning School for Boys and immediately came back for my third tour with the 173rd , Apr 67-Apr 68. Stayed in for 31 yrs active duty ( 7+ enlisted and 23+ commissioned) followed up by 19 yrs on the G-2 staff in the Pentagon. Finally retired in 2009…….now living the good retired life! Doing only what my live-in Chief of Staff of 50 tells me…
Mr. Anthony – I wonder if you recall Army LTC John V. Swango, Infantry, from MAAG, Can Tho? He became my ROTC PMS in the fall of 1963; he must have departed RVN near your arrival time there.
At the time, there were not too many folks in the homefront who had been to Viet Nam. He was quite inspirational as a leader, and returned to RVN as a civilian worker following his retirement from service. I think that would have been in ’64 or ’65. I do not know anything further about him.
Btw, I am seeking information for a friend about Army Captain James R. Zimmerman, Infantry, XXX-XX-8360, should you know, or know of him. His APO mailing address was with MACV Team 28, but I do not know when. His name is not on the Wall.
My thanks! — Woodie
Mr McMullin: I vaguely remember that I was introduced to LTC Swango once shortly after I arrived in May 63. I did not have any dealings with LTC Swango. I think he departed not too much later, I wouldn’t have any reason to see him for anything as he was an infantry guy probably doing ops with the Viet infantry troops we had at the Corps level. Also you realize back then I was a Sp4 and we definitely traveled in different social circles., (made Sp5 half way thru my tour,but obviously didn’t rise up that far on the social scale). The intro was done by LTC Robert Morris when LTC Swango stopped by our office one day. LTC Morris was the senior intel advisor to the Vietnamese IV Corps intel folks. I worked for LTC Morris the year I was there. A super officer. My day-to day boss was Cpt Howard Eakin who was tragically killed about 3 months after I arrived, Our compound was subsequently named after him.
I unfortunately have no info on Cpt Zimmerman, The only time I met anybody from TM 28 was during the short time I was in Tuy Hoa during those wonderful action filled hours during TET.
all the best……
Ed
Mr. Anthony, your superb memory is impressive! Thank you for your prompt reply. Just as an aside, I had only a single tour, and it was in I Corps. My “hootchmate” for that year was CW3 Rudolph D. Hayes, a Signal Corps advisor who was on his third tour. Using colorful imagery, Rudy would often espouse how every other man in the U.S. Army was going to have to served three tours, before they ever got him in-country again! Rudy passed a number of years ago; may he R.I.P. My best regards, Woodie
I have been back to Vietnam 5-6 times since the war. I went back to Tuy Hoa for the first time in 2001. There were a lot of ghosts and demons that still haunt me, so I did not go back again. I do have a great time visiting other places in Vietnam where I was not in combat, especially Dalat. I was advisir to 206th RF Battalion, Bn Cdr was MAJ Vu, he was a great guy.
Wow Tracy, Have never been back. (CPT) John Hretz, Bn Advisor, 47th ARVN. Had a room at the compound. Almost never saw it. Anyone remember MAJ Ramsey ?
I was stationed outside of TUY HOA Air Base assigned to the 41st civil Affairs company in the same compound as MACV TEAM 28, I was a police advisor for chief PHAP Chief of Police TUY HOA CITY 1969 my last few months I took over River Patrol boats as ncoic VUNG TO BAY 1970.I have been looking for our medical ARNOLED BITTNER HE WAS WITH THE AMERICAL DEVISON .In anyone knows of him please call or Text me at 775-761-7009 or coralblack29@yahoo.com ( THANKS AND GOD BLESS )
I was in Tuy Hoa and Cung Son in 1966-67 TDY to Camp A221. We built the airfield at Cung Son and Bn. Base camp Tuy Hoa next to Viet prison.
I was with 39th. Combat Engineers. My name is William Bassakyros.
I can’t help with the lighter but how wonderful of you to make this effort. A grateful little sister.
Sgt. Dung and Dennis Monroe,
I have inquired about my brother who was there 70-April 71. SP4 Billy Jack Moser, he was a door gunner. We are from Texas. He also had a friend Lloyd LaFave from Minnesota. Jack is nearing and of his life, never spoken about his time and I have studied the place and time period fairly extensively. If you knew him I was the young girl who strung peace needs and mailed every day. I’m now 58 and Jack is 66. Ph#713.409.5122
Peace beads. 🙂
Hello,
My Name is Norman Hart and I was stationed at Phu Heip AAF 69, 70. I was with Task force 593-2 5th maintenance Bn. Tuy Hua Element. I provided electronic equipment repair. I also spent many nights at the MACV compound in Song Cau bay on our way to An Khe/Quy Nhon. Thanks Guys for the meals and shelter. If anyone was there during that time we were the two idiots that drove up and down QL1 by ourselves in the boxed Deuce and half. Any way I have a request. I was injured in June 70 and sent to Quy Nhon for surgery then I was to be returned to Phu Heip. I got to Quy Nhon and they decided to send me to Japan, Well I ended up back in the US. All my belongings disappeared except what I had on me. I am looking for any Arial or ground photos or videos of the Phu heip compound, the non aviation side. We were located in the old 91st evac. hospital buildings and our shops was on the west side (non ocean side ) of the compound. Can anyone help me with this. I can be reached at ndhart@live.com
Hello Norman,
I knew your area quite well. I was with the 91st Evac from June 67 to June 68. To the West was the 577th engineers compound that apparently became your unit’s work shops. To the South was the 268th aviation compound and airstrip where they flew Mohawks out of. On the north side was Tuy Hoa subarea command compound. The subarea guarded the north side of Phu Heip village while we guarded the West and South sides. It got pretty exciting around there sometimes after the sun went down and the bullets and arty started flying. Occasionally the viet cong got a green mortar man and he’d walk a couple of rounds through our compound, trying to zero in on the 577th at night. It got to where life was sort of boring if the bad guys moved on to other places but it would eventually get hot in the old town again and we’d want some peace and quiet for a while. My job was at the emergency room, taking the valuables from casualties and storing them until they were released to other hospitals such as the 6th convalescent center in Japan. Mass casualties was a messy time with blood and other things all over the place, rifles, grenades and claymores under foot half the night or day. My granddaughter asked me about it and I just told her that I hoped that she could never imagine all the suffering and blood that I’ve saw in the year at the 91st. If you’ll send your address, I have a few pictures of Tuy Hoa and the 91st compound. One shows the village of Phu Heip down by the ocean. Danny Wall , 5005 Golden Circle, Denton, Texas 76208 and I’ll send some copies.
Hi Danny. Danny, I was in the Air Force stationed at Tuy Hoa AB from September ’66 to September ’67, Early morning hours of September7th, 1967, the MACV 28 Team was attacked by a large force of VC and maybe some NVA. They were only a short distance from the base, across the rice paddies and on Hwy 1. A lot of explosions, small arms fire and heavy machine gun fire, Some of which came over on to the base hitting fuel tanks and bladders, aircraft revetments, etc. Spooky and Moonlight were called up on station from Nha Trang and hosed down and lighted with flares all across the paddies between us and the MACV camp. After they pulled off station some Huey gunships came in low and hit a tree line between us and the Village on our NW perimeter. I don’t know if the Team 28 or their ARVNs had any casualties that morning or not. We lost one Airman. Does your memory recall any of that or do you know where I might get any details? Thanks Brother for your service and Welcome Home. George English, USAF CMsgt (Retired)
My name is Martha Anne (Marti) Moser. My brother Jack Moser was there 70-71. SP4 Billy.Jack Moser. I believe he was a helicopter door gunner. I was also told about a one month long mission to Laos. Don’t know much more. Jack is terminally ill from Agent.Orange and has end stage cirrhosis of the live. Any.information would be appreciated. If any of you knew him, I was the little girl who.strung.peace beads and mailed every day. Thank.you .
This is the original post. It is now on Google the one legitimate time & the others are under unfamiliar names & the dates are even some time in the future. The posts appear to be nonsense at first glance, but they somehow have meaning to these folks. WordPress could not help. They suggested I contact your blog administrator.I found when I googled SP4 BILLY MOSER.
I do have some pictures of Dong Tre. I was there Nov 68 to Nov 69. I don’t however know how to send them out. Send me your email, and I will have someone help me. Where do you live now? I live near Ocala Florida. My email is shookpointman@aol.com. Be glad to hear from you.
Larry, What unit were you in at Dong Tre in 68-69? I commanded A Battery 6/32nd there during that time. Ron Thayer (rlthayer@prodigy.net) — (703) 969-9474
sfrank_brown@yahoo.com Cung son is son hoa
To Jeremy, I am Paul Cote. I served with your father on Team 28 at the Beach Compound in Tuy Hoa. He was a remarkable person, a real patriot. My wife and I stayed in touch with him through Christmas cards and family pictures over the years. I remember seeing you in your Marine uniform. I do know that he passed away several years ago. I want to talk with you about Jay if you wish. Contact me at 973-568-9982, our my email address: cotepaul44@gmail.com
Hi Paul,
I have not looked at this for awhile and I apologize for not seeing this sooner. I will give you a call ASAP!
jmrhodes05@hotmail.com
See my earlier email. I was assigned to Team 28 June ’69 — May ’70. Did you know our Phoenix officer, Capt. Jay Rhodes? He was a good buddy of mine.
I am Paul Cote. I was the engineer officer for Team 28 (June ’69 — May ’70) located at the Beach Compound. My work consisted of helping my VN engineer civilian counterpart do small road and bridge repairs throughout Phu Yen province at the various district locations, including Son Hoa ( pacification stuff); rebuilding the Beach Compound defensive perimeter under the watchful eye of our DPSA Col. Seivers; and serving as the Team’s finance officer and special services officer responsible for maintaining the jungle rules volley ball court, and providing plenty of cold beer. My best pal was Capt. Jay Rhodes our province Phoenix officer. I was one of the lucky guys who never heard a shot fired in anger over there. My wife and I now live in Florida. I do some volunteer work at our local VA Clinic and see VN Vets on a regular basis. Welcome home Brothers!
I was an everyday participant in the “jungle rules volleyball”. I was the 5’10 Air Force guy who could jump fairly well. (Even higher when the jungle rule of grabbing the net kicked in) It led to a lifetime of volleyball which ended 10 years ago when I suffered a broken neck while on vacation at St Martin. i have recovered fairly well thanks to 6 prayer chains and Dr Barth Green at Jackson Memorial in Miami. Do you remember the game we played against the Koreans? We beat them, but they adhered the the strict rules of volleyball. Gained a lot of respect for them that day. Would you happen to be about 6’2″ and blond in 1969? if so, I remember you.
I was stationed in Dong Tre Nov 68-Nov69. It was during that year that we were hit by NVA and Cpt Vu’s son was killed.
Larry I was assistant advisor in dong xuan and made many trips to ding tee along ambush alley … From June 68 to March April… Did two convoys with you guys to AFBase where we gave them old crossbows and weapons etc for all their goodies.. The artillery duster hit a mine near our bridge killing 2 our compound was destroyed in late 68 .. Had pictures of all you guys but a fire destroyed them in 87… Do you have any ? Would appreciate to jog memory … Thks
I would like any documents you might have. I was with team 26 8-67 to about 12-67 and 9-5-68 to 9-3-69,
My email is pthardesty@sbcglobal.net
Thanks,
Pat Hardesty
By chance is anyone in contact with Col. Myron “Ken” Rice? As a major, he served as the DSA of Tuy Hoa District in Phu Yen circa 1971-1972.
Also, I’ve accumulated a number of documents on Advisory Team 28. While I don’t have every file, I’m happy to share what I do have with anyone interested.
Best,
Rob
Rob, I did know MAJ Rice, I worked for him at Tuy Hoa District team about June- Sep 1972. I had several different jobs on Team 28. I am not sure of the exact dates that I worked for MAJ Rice. I had just returned from being a Ground FAC on Fire Base 42 and Polei Kleng Border Ranger camp vr, Tracy Pittman, 1LT at the time. jtpittman43@aol.com
Would you recognized his handwriting if you saw it? I ask since I’ve obtained some notes on Tuy Hoa District that lack any mention of who wrote the notes and when. Yet thanks to some bits of info, I know the notes were written sometime between 1970 and 1972.
My father is Watson McFarland (USAF). I don’t know when in 1970 Dad left Tuy Hua, but I would be able to recognize his handwriting. He had a peculiar script. 🙂 I can send a copy of one of his letters to compare if that would help. My e-mail address is handsofhope11@gmail.com
Hi Tina. Did your father work with the CORDS guys?
Robert, I looked at the items you sent and I did not recognize anything. I did recognize some village and hamlet names, but I did not remember any of the operations.
No worried, Tracy. I truly appreciate you taking a look. Hopefully those items sparked your memory in a good way.
I really doubt I could recognize his hand writing. It has been a long time. I may be able to remember some of the incidents that he writes about. I am willing to try if you want to send me the documents.
Hi Robert I was assistant district advisor dong xuan district for 9 months June 68 till our small compound and team house was satchel charged etc do you have anything on us? Plus was asst district advisor of the district just south of dong tre at the other sf camp can’t remember name.. Any help appreciated…you might want to check out the ao map that one of the Chicago papers did on where it was dropped and when… It’s amazing how much was dropped on us..thks for any help on those records
Hi Frank, I should have some of your district reports for both districts. Let me see what I can turn up. I’d love to see that newspaper article.
For the second district, are we talking about Son Hoa? Also, what is your email address?
I don’t know many details of Dad’s time in Tuy Hua (1969-70) but would be so glad to learn anything possible. Watson McFarland (USAF).
I was the Asst. PIOCC Advisor From August of 1970 in Tuy Hoa till about May 1971. Then moved to Son Hoa from May to late June 1971 where I was the DIOCC and Major White was our Chief. Then moved to Hieu Xuoung in June till July. Is Major White the one that was medivacd from Son Hoa. If so, what were the extent of his injuries. Is he alive today? Anyone know his address?
I was at Tuy Hoa, Team 28, late 64 to early 65 – then went to Ham Tan, Team 82. Tim Coughlin
Hi please send your dissertation on Phu Yen ’69–’70.
Paul and Larry; If you bring up Tuy Hoa on Google Earth, the main road along the beach is Doc Lap. Follow it NW along the beach to the 3rd “block” and Nguyen Du street. Scroll down to about 2000′ elevation and in that 3rd block at the SE corner, there’s a building that looks to have a light green roof with a “white stripe” (?) running the length of it. You should see two photo icons very near that bldg. One shows the compound main gate and the other is the center of the compound looking at the medical bunker, both dated 67/68. I don’t if that is the correct location or not but it seems about right.
I may have talked with you on the radio a number of times. I was stationed in Dong Tre during that same time and we often had air strikes there. I was in Tuy Hoa 2 years ago with Point Man Ministry. There are churches and orphanages there that Point Man supports..I couldn’t find the old Tm 28 compound but it may be changed in so many ways or my memory has gone away.
I am interested in learning more about the churches and orphanges that the American soldiers supported. My father, Watson McFarland (USAF) served in Tuy Hua mostly in 1969-70. Once Dad was safely home, he and Mother destroyed the letters they wrote to each other while he was away. However, since other family elders have passed, letters Dad wrote to them have begun to surface. In just about every letter, he mentions a church he a group of men are helping the nationals to build. Thus far, I’m not seeing a name, but I would love to know more.
Do you know if your dad was assigned to the air base or the MACV Team. Knowing the type of airplane he flew would be helpful. The USAF pilots assigned to MACV at Tuy Hoa flew O2A’s during my 70-71 tour.
I don’t know about any churches while I was stationed there, but the church Point Man Ministry supports in Tuy Hoa is doing very well.
I was there and sponsored two kids at the orphanage. Col. Without was that Chaplain that got us hooked up with the orphanage..
Thanks for putting names on all the Tuy Hoa landmarks. I remember them all but until your posting didn’t have names for them. I was the intel ops with the USAF FAC team (Tactical Air Control Party) working out of the Beach Compound and flying out of the metal plate airfield by the hill (Chop Chai mountain?). The one landmark you didn’t mention was an old Buddhist temple at the top of a hill in the town, overlooking the river. That was a spot I frequented just to take in the view and breezes. I’ve been meaning to visit Vietnam, particularly Phu Yen province where I spent most of a year (68-69). Now my interest is piked even more.
Do you remember the name of the af fac pilot killed in early 68 went down in Dong xuan district
No, don’t remember. Sorry.
Paul Cote
MACV Team 28
July ’69 — June ’70
Based at the Beach Compound
Served as Phu Yen Province Engineer Officer
Traveled to many places in the province to
help District Teams with road, bridge and
building construction and repair projects.
A major project at the Beach Compound was
the repair and reinforcing of the defensive
perimeter.
My wife and I recently traveled to Vietnam (also Cambodia and Thailand). While in Vietnam we visited Saigon, Danang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and, of course, Tuy Hoa. We flew into the site of the former Tuy Hoa US Air Force Base, and I noted that all that remains are the runways (very serviceable) and the concrete quonset hut structures (vacant). Our plane from Saigon pulled up to the new Tuy Hoa Airport, small but fully staffed with baggage handlers, x-ray equipment and helpful Vietnam Airlines’ clerks. From the air I could see good old Chop Chai mountain and the Cham Tower close to the intersection of Rt. 1 and Main St. Tuy Hoa. I could also see that a new two lane bridge had been built next to the old
French railroad bridge most of us had to wait to cross, one way at a time, over the Son Da Rang River. I could also see another new bridge that was much closer to the South China Sea that took traffic from the area of the airport into the heart of downtown Tuy Hoa. Aside from a few multi-story resort hotels and a smattering of new government buildings, the town looked about the same as it did in 1969 with lots of car, truck and motorbike traffic. I went with my guide/translator to the Beach Road in hopes of finding the old Beach Compound with its quadrangle, other buildings, four guard towers and the bunkers. Well brothers, it’s all gone away…either a pile of rubble or the site of a new building, I couldn’t tell which. It was a memorable visit. I’m living here in Florida now and do some volunteer work for our local VA Clinic. Best of luck to all Team 28 veterans!! My best pal from Team 28 was Jay Rhodes, our Phoenix officer who passed away several years ago.
I arrived at the beach compound in Apr 1970 and as a FAC radio operator drove that road between TM 28 and the airbase on a regular basis. When you mentioned the railroad bridge I remembered a lesson long forgotten. I was taught to keep my left hand covering the jeep’s gas cap while waiting my turn to cross. It might have been an FNG razz but I took it to heart and never stopped doing it! Do you happen to know when and why the AF FAC’s stopped using the Tuy Hoa strip and began launching missions from the airbase?
Hi Lou, I do remember the gas cap discipline and was careful while awaiting my turn to go. It was really a mind blower to drive on th new vehicular bridge right next to the. Old RR bridge. Not sure why we stopped using the team air strip.
Paul – I have some amazing pictures and motion pictures of a lot of my dad’s time there. Had them all redone and the movies on disc, recolored. Kind of stuff you may see on History Channel and there is some enemy engagement too in the footage – from prop planes and helicopters.
Rob, Please send the after action reports to L1usma62@sbcglobal.net Here are some names that I remember. 47th Regiment, 1963-64, 1LT Bill Privette, SSG or SFC Blackmon, SFC (later CSM) Wiley C. Bingham who, when he got back to the States was going to bake a cake of cornbread the size of a jeep wheel.” He spent a lot of time at Ft. Jackson and I think, retired from Ft. Benning. CPT Tommy Thompson who later commanded Special Troops at Ft. Knox. Tm 28, Feb ’69-Feb ’70. SFC Hillard P. Bailey, medic and all around great guy. He worked on the generators at the former SF camp (A221?) in Son Hoa. SFC Merrick, who finagled an insertion with one of the LRRP teams from the 173d. All around great guy too. SGT Sorey, who misdiagnosed me with something or other. Turned out to be ring worms, but what the heck. He was great at helping construct our hot water heater.
I just emailed you the AARs. Feel free to pass my email address along to any of the veterans you mentioned above.
ILt Clark, I was in Phu Yen, Dong Xuoun and Son Hoa . I must have missed the action in Son Hoa because I was sent to DongXuaun, within two weeks. Was Maj White medivaced from Son Hoa?
still waiting for the AARs
I would like copies of the AARs also. Thanks
Can do. What is your email address?
AARs please. Thanks
Robert,
I was at team 28 sept 67 to Dec. 67 and Sept. 68 to Sept 69. Do you have any reports for this time period for the beach site? I would love to see them. My email is pthardesty@sbcglobal.net.
Thanks,
Pat Hardesty
PAtrick, did you know my dad – Andrew Yurasek -medic?
Probably do but I don’t remember too many names if I saw faces I might remember
Patrick any way you can send your pictures ! Mine were destroyed in fire! There 68 69! Do u know what happen to major craven?
Send me your email and I’ll send you all the pictures I have. I have always wondered what happened to mar. Craven but, have no idea.
Thks I remember you has a fine person who everyone could depend on! As you know craven was a exceptional officer ! I was ex officer at dong Xuan then at the district south! Bad places! Thks so much sfrank_brown@yahoo.com.. amazing that I remember you by name and reputation!!!
I was in Dong Tre Nov 68 to Nov 69. Lt Vivio was team leader
Anyone remember the battle of Cung Son, 18 June 1971. It was out in the Son Hoa District. I was a MAT Team Leader with Team 28 and was asked to go out to the District Headquarters temporarily while they found a replacement for the current Senior District Advisor who had been medivac’d. At 1230 that night two NVA battalions attacked the District HQ. A two day battle ensued and we were able to destroy one of the battalions (184 body count) totally. I am trying to see if anyone remembers that battle and has any after action reports that describe it. I left for the states about two weeks after the battle.
I’d like info on the battle too. I was the DSA in Son Hoa until Feb ’70. We had intel that two NVA regiments were moving through the norther part of the district with maybe some anglo captives. LRP teams from the 173d took a look, but nothing came of the activity. Who were the two battalions, NVA or VC? Song Hoa was relatively peaceful, at least I think so, during my time in the district, Apr ’69-Feb ’70. We attributed it to the ROK division in the province. Two battalions, you say? Wow.
Hi Bob,
I can provide you with the US and RVN after action reports for the Cung Son battle. As Ron can attest, I’ve been researching the battle as part of my dissertation on Phu Yen. I recently finished writing the chapter on the ’69-’70 period.
Best,
Rob
Hi Bob – I worked with Rob to help reconstruct the events of that battle. I was the Team 28 Phoenix Officer at the Beach Compound when the District Advisor at Cung Son was medivac’d. They asked me to go out until they could get a permanent replacement. I knew the District Chief so it was going to be kind of like a short mini-vacation before I went home two weeks later. Unfortunately the NVA had different plans and attacked us around midnight. Needless to say it was a VERY INTERESTING next couple days. Rob’s dissertation pretty much lays out the whole battle scenario. I was just finishing up my third tour and two weeks away from going home when this battle took place. A little GOING AWAY PRESENT from the NVA.
Was assist district advisor there for 2 months in 69 can’t remember the name of major who you pribably replaced .. He was an exceptional officer former E8 .. A fire destroyed my pictures in 87 do you have any you could send.?. Thks regardless
Rob, I was in country from late 1970 to 1971 as a radio operator. I do remember a Major Harris an African American who was a great guy, I also was wondering if anyone might remember Sgt. McCarthy 1970 at the Tuy Hoa Compound, I do not remember a Maj. Rice is their anything else about him? Maybe it will jog my memory. I also remember riding out on the chopper with Major White on one of my resupply missions to Son Hoa, because I had said to him Bianchi means white in english. I hope he made it through. Son Hoa was a shell of a village after that. I still have black and whites of the village after that battle. peace out
I remember the arty. Used their dusters almost every night as H&I fire on areas where we did not have ambushes out. Used a CARBINE GRENADE LAUNCHER to fire WD1 from our wire into theirs. Before that our phone lines kept getting cut.
Pat, I remember you and the night you mentioned, only I didn’t remember what the occasion was (Xmas) until you mentioned details. I also remember that Facker (dog) disappeared shortly after and we suspected that the ARVN airstrip guards took a culinary interest in Facker. So many of the daily occurrences in and out of that beach compound come back to memory when others comment about this or that attack, or just serving (and living) in Tuy Hoa/Phu Yen as a young troop. I also took pictures but not all survived. Many were confiscated during my return trip to the U.S. Most of what I have left are portraits of the Vietnamese people and places, and just a few photos of our TACP team. But I would like to get some of yours of me and others in our Team 28 people and particularly our TACP, including you, if you don’t mind. I’d be happy to share my photos with you or anyone else that asks when I figure out how to convert positive slides to digitized format. My emails: jisla@me.com and jisla@inquesta.com.
jack i have a pic, of you and maj. hope if you will send me tour ad. by way of email i will send you a hard copy
I was stationed in Dong Tre 1968-1969 with Lt Vivio. The arty battery was there as well. We got along great with them. I have pictures but don’t know how to post them.
I was stationed at the Tuy Hoa Army camp, maintenance section from 15 April, ’68 to 15, April, ’69. Ran convoys over the pass of the Pissin’ Gorilla, past Vung Rho Bay, down into Cam Rahn Bay and back. Part-time mechanic, part-time door gunner on a deuce-and-a-half. Curtis Ward, cwardins@yahoo.com
CUrtis – did you know my dad- Andrew Yurasek – medical advisor?
Frank Brown & Do Dinh Dung. We may have circled around each other in the western Phu Yen districts. I was the camp conversion team leader in Son Hoa (Cung Son) March to June or July (I think) 1969. I went north to be the Dep District Senior Advisor of Dong Xuan (La Hai). The DSA was a State Department reserve officer who did not get along with the Army team. I was to be the buffer between him and the team. He returned to the States for a family emergency after I’d been in Dong Xuan for two miserable weeks. I then “ran” the district for a couple of weeks until I was reassigned back to Son Hoa to be the DSA. I consider my greatest contribution in Dong Xuan was making peace between the advisory team and the artillery battery at the south end of the valley, the old Dong Tre Special Forces camp. Oh, yes. I was in La Hai in early 1964 as an assistant battalion advisor with the 47th Regiment. Small world. Email – L1usma62@sbcglobal.net
This is directed to Jeremy Rhodes, the son of Capt. John Rhodes with whom I served on Team 28 at the Tuy Hoa Beach Compound from July ’69 to June ’70. I served as Phu Yen Province engineer advisor. I knew your father quite we’ll. Paul Cote
Sent from my iPhone
>
I left there in May of 69 was Rhides there before you? What was his job?
Was on Team 28 Jan-Jul 1971 – Don’t remember many names but have lots of great memories. As a young Captain working with a great SFC, I worked with the Phoenix Program (Phung Hoang). I would really like to hear from anyone there at that time.
Ron, I do not remember you by name, but we possibly played volleyball together – jungle rules. I was with Team 28 from Jan 70 thru April 71; At Dong Xuan District as the Phoenix Program Adviser from Jan to Dec, then at the Beach Compound.
The names I remember and wonder about are mostly from my time at Dong Xuan: Kenneth Kok, an Infantry Lt; Major Duane Barber, the District Senior Advisor; Carl Steven Backstrom – from Pennsylvania, the liaison to the US Artillery and Vietnamese force at Dong Tre; Howard Bartlett, my replacement as Phoenix Adviser – I seem to remember that he was an attorney by trade. and Russel Meierdink – from Superior WI, the Phu Yen Provence Senior Adviser (civilian);
Just happened across your post. I get new postings through my email. You were in Dong Xuan, probably with some of the people I knew during my brief sojourn there about June or July 1969. I came from the camp conversion team in Son Hoa to be the Dong Xuan Dep DSA. My task was to be the buffer between a very disliked Reserve State Dept DSA and the all Army team. I wonder if you heard of him. He had alienated the arty battery at Dong Tre. I was only in Dong Xuan a month. The Son Hoa was medically evacuated (heart attack I think) and I returned to Son Hoa and took his place. I was at La Hai for a couple of weeks in December 63 – January 64 with the 47th Inf Reg’t. My second tour in the province was surreal the first month or so.
I was assistant district advisor etc from June 68 to March 69 a fire in 87 destroyed my pictures do you by chance have any?
The one and the same. I am retired now and living near Ocala, Fl. My email is shookpointman@aol.com. phone # 352-685-1138. I will be happy to hear from you.
Hi Pat:
My email address is denbouy@gmail.com
We’re old men now so I guess we’re not supposed to remember stuff that happened that long ago.
At least my VA Psych says some of that stuff we should try to forget, but I don’t like people telling me what I should and shouldn’t do.
Cheers mate
I remember that board well. I always thought an Air Force guy, (Baker?), had it shipped over. I remember everyone rode, or as in my case, tried to ride it every day. I never had the coordination to stand up and ride the big waves very well. The best I could do was the really small waves and even then it wasn’t for very long! That’s funny. Surfing in Vietnam. Had completely forgotten about that.
Dennis,
I went to Phu hip but, don’t think I ever stayed there. I do have a few pictures I could share with you. Send me your email address and I will send them to you. I have saved them electronically and have a drop box account. My memories are also foggy about the time I spent at team 28. Was there I think 8-1967 to 12-1967 and again 9-5-1968 to 9-5-1969. Things come up at times that I’m not sure really happened or not.
I was assistant district advisor dong xuan then Cung son spent last month at province etc from June 68 to March 69 a fire in 87 destroyed my pictures do you by chance have any?
Was the “Slip-check” we sprayed on nose enough of it left still there?
That board was compliments of the Tuy Hoa Air Force Base Surf Rental Shack, Roger and I walked the perimeter of the Base down the North side, stripped down to our OD Green Boxers, buried our clothes in the sand, swam down to the Shack and asked to use a board which they gladly did not knowing we were Army then we kept riding small waves back towards the North end past the runway to where we buried our clothes, got dressed then walked out to H’way and hitched a ride on an Army Deuce & a Half back to the Compound and kept it stored in the Comm Ctr.
Will provide a link in the near future with pics of Roger (shredding) LOL out in front of the Compound, there really were some sweet waves there.
Later Dudes…
Although I grew up in SoCal it was at the beach compound where I learned to surf. After countless attempts on borrowed boards from Torrey Pines to Redondo as a kid, it was at the MACV beach where I put it all together and actually rode waves. Somebody kept that board waxed and ready to go. Never met the guy but I still owe….at least I never dinged it. Got my first board years later in the Philippines and have had at least one every time I was stationed near the beach. I live on the Space Coast of Florida now and have 2 boards in the garage. I’ve also had all 3 kinds of skin cancer but still can’t stay away from the beach. I’m the guy with the umbrella now.
Hi Pat:
I must have replaced you in 69, I was a volunteer from Phu Heip when our CO ask for someone to go to Tuy Hoa, don’t remember Sgt. Thaxton by name maybe a face would bring things back to me, everything is sort of blurred from back them with so much going on.
I too have lots of color slides I took in country but need some time to sort through 45 years of pics to collate them for posting, ran the photo lab at Fort Hood during time off after leaving the suck. Do you have any pic’s of the camp and were you in Phu Heip for any time?
I lived in San Diego for 8 years as a musician after my ETS, pre computer daze.
Thanks for your reply and thanks for being a serviceman.
TTUL,
Dennis
My name is Dave Curtin. On 4 March 1968 I was a young paratroop Spec 4 assigned to D/16th Armor,173rd Airborne Brigade. My company was sent on that day to support 47th Regiment units engaged with NVA and VC units in North Tuy Hoa. Long story short: Early in the fight the crew members of one our M-113s were either killed or badly wounded, except for the driver. The driver kept right on attacking Charlie’s positions, alternatively driving forward and then climbing on top of the track to fire the 50. Three individuals, two from D/16th (myself and a close buddy) and an advisor NCO rushed to the track and then fought the rest of the battle together, although my buddy was wounded and evacuated. I recently obtained from the Army’s Center for Military History a transcript of the After Action Report from the 47th Advisory Team for what it calls the battle of Ninh Tinh. For the first time, this report has given me the name of the NCO I fought all day beside –he was one solid leader. According to the CMH report his name was “Sgt. Amonette.” In the report Capt Wetzel from the Advisory Team says “Here is a good example of an advisor in action, during the attack that followed a US APC commander was killed, SGT Amonette crawled upon the track and took his place.” I am wondering if anyone knows anything more about SGT Amonette. Thanks.
That’s my dad -Staff Sgt. James Amonette
Lea Boatwright, how was you trip to Vietnam last year? Do you remember a Major Marc Mauser?
At the bottom of the “Welcome to MACVTeams.Org” page and to the right of the “like” button is a picture of 2 Vietnamese and 1 American. Can anyone explain who these people are and what they were doing? The American looks a lot like me but my mind is a total blank.
Guessing you clicked on it, as I did, but there’s no way to contact the blog owner. The other blogger has his email address on there.
Photo isn’t good enough to see patches, if there are any. Tough to say?
Just did a quick search, he’s posted in threads for Teams 62 and 85.
Thanks Steve, that picture would have fooled my own mom! Wish I had news for you but I haven’t connected with Earl since then, I met once briefly with my team leader (Maj Dudley) at Kirtland AFB a couple of years later but that’s it until I found this site. I wish I could find John Riley (one of the RTO’s at the TOC. He was my closest friend.
Picked up letters I had written home recently. Added a timeline of various items/events onto my Flickr photo page here:
Right under “Province” in the title, locate “See more”, put your cursor over that and the text box will open up. You can scroll down through it.
The pool table incident was the night of May 21, 1970.
Thank you Steve. Nice to have a reliable timeline again. I see now that mine was way off. I too feel like more of my time should have been spent learning more in the cultural/political/geographical arena; it literally took decades for me to understand what I was or should have been doing there. At the time I was just happy to coordinate air support for the teams in the field followed by hanging out with my friends. If I recall correctly, you wore Ben Franklin glasses and had a handlebar mustache. You once told me that my girlfriend had the most perfect handwriting you had ever seen. I also remember liking the taste in music you and Earl had. Thanks again!
You’re welcome, Louis. Wish there was a place to post those photos that didn’t require you to join in order to leave a comment. Most people aren’t going to do that so I’ve had no feedback.
Do you know what Earl did after he left Vietnam? He’s in one of the MEDCAP photos I have. Always pictured him going to work for AT&T with his phone experience.
Trained MATA Served 1963-1964 MAAG and MACV Team 28
Looking for details related to Maj Stoneburner MACV T3, 9 Dec 64
I was stationed in Dong Tre for most of the time you were in Sing Cau. We probably talked on the radio at least some. We would fly down to Song Cau to pick up shrimp and lobsters. I stayed in the Army and retired in 1985
OK Larry. Thanks for the reply. Yes, the Sargs at song cau had a thriving busness (Saunders and Binkley). We would keep a number of “tails” in the fridge and shrimp on reeds alive hung from the Di-Wi’s pier to trade or sell them to the chopper crews for steaks.
I do not remember where Dong Tre was. Do remember the Team at La Hai and a rather flamboyant Major – Harvard Educated as I recall – that they had there.
Our radio call sign was Mocking Grips Tango. I do not remember talking to you or meeting you, but I suppose it was possible.
Two items you might be interested in: Our second Major – Frank Underwood – he retired as a COL – his son became a fairly well known actor. His name is Blair Underwood. The second thing was that I (along with others from the Team) was interviewed by Charles B. Flood for a book he wrote about the Phu Yen teams called “War if the Innocants.” It is still available in print and you might enjoy reading it, as I did. Many of the comments he makes in the book are right on and pertinent to mistakes we are making in the Middle East, in my view.
It was a long time ago and my memory isn’t what it used to be but I will say that I generally enjoyed my tour of duty in Vietnam and felt that we were doing some good there.
iis this the same Larry Shook i sas on recruitin g duty with in about ’82-83 in Vicksburg Mississippi? this is Tracy
Paul Poindexter here. I was the 05B20 at Song Cau from July, ’67 to August ’68 with occasional TDY’s to Province Hq. to replace RTO’s that were on R&R at the time. Song Cau was kind of a sleepy place when I first got there. After Tet ’68 it became a little hotter, but still pretty much of a backwater as compared to many other towns in VN.I was aa draftee and returned to college on an “early out” after Vietnam. I then went to law school, and was a Prosecutor in Los Angeles for many years until I retired in 2008. Currently living in Santa Ynez, CA where I fly my own plane, operate Ham Radio, and collect classic cars.
Use to send you guys cross bows and you sent us those unbelievable shrimp and lobsters… Dong Xuan assistant district advisor June 68 till march April 69 .. Beautiful place
My name is Jim Delaney and I have been going thru some of my dad’s papers. We were not that close because he was Special Forces (Green Beret) and never home. Any way I am trying to learn what I can about him. He has a card in his paper that is from the Tuy Hoa Subarea Command Non-Commissioned Officer’s Open Mess. It has his unit as CSD. Since he was U.S. Army and this was a Air Force base anybody got any ideas what this unit is or was?
Anyone on this site from 65 – 66 Tuy Hoa?
Herb Horton, Team 28, ARVN 47th Inf. Regt
HERB I AM MIKE CAYLOR AND I WAS AT TUY HOA TEAM 28 FROM MAY 65 TO MAY 66. I WAS A MEMBER OF THE SECURITY TEAM. VERY SORRY BUT YOUR NAME DOES NOT RING A BELL CAN’T PLACE YOUR FACE. IF YOU REMEMBER A FIGHT THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE VILLAGE WITH SOME ROK SOILDERS I WAS THE ONE THAT GOT HIS HEAD BUSTED OPEN. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO E-MAIL ME SOME IDENTIFIERS MABE IT WILL JAR MY 70 YEAR OLD BRAIN. IT HAS BEEN A SPELL. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS CAYLORF@BELLSOUTH.NET. NOT MANY ON THIS SITE DURING OUR TIME FRAME. !!!!!!!!!!!! HEY BE SWEET !!!!!!!!!!.
Mike, you must have been with the USMC. I remember when the security team arrived, they moved everyone below the rank of Sgt. to the beach house outside the wire. I worked in the radio shack in the compound for quite sometime before I became the field radioman for the Adv. Team assigned to the ARVN 47th Inf.Regt.After joining the team, we spent a grate deal of time in the bush.
Hi Mike, I must have replaced you. I was security, and got there in May ’66. I remember SSGT Remington, but what was the little Guamian SGTs name?
ted good to here from you. sorry but the ssgt you speak of i do not remember as being there. i guess things were mighty fluid at that time. the sargents in charge of security during my time was sfg silvernail and ssgt fletcher. there was only a total manpower of around 45 to 50 enlisted and officers. reading all the articles posted it seams things were a lot different after i rotated out. during my time there was only macv 28 compound nothing else, though we did have the 101st airborne pass through and south korean rock tiger marines each very shortly. also during my time officers and enlisted did not room together we did comingle however in everything else. kinda like a brotherhood. i would enjoy hearing about your time at team 28 if you would like to post. MIKE CAYLOR MACV TEAM 28 MAY 65 TO MAY66.
WELL HERB GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AND TO KNOW YOU ARE STILL ALIVE AND KICKING. HERB YOU ARE RIGHT WHEN WE THE SECURITY TEAM ARRIVED ALL ( 10 ) OF US, WAS HOUSED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE COMPOUND. AFTER ABOUT ( 6 ) MONTHS WE WERE MOVED INTO THE COMPOUND WHEN THE NEW ROW BUILDING WAS COMPLETED. BUY THE WAY WE WAS ALL ARMY THERE WAS NO MARINES, OUR NCOIC WAS SFC SILVERNAIL. HERB AS I REC-A-LECK THE GUY RUNNING THE RADIO SHACK WAS FROM WARNER ROBBINS, GEORGIA IS THAT YOU? HERB JUST TO REMINISCE A TAD. DO YOU REMBER. ( BARNEY ) OUR BLACK AND TAN HOUND ( NEMROD ) THE SCOTTISH TERRIER ( CHARLIE ) THE GREEN PARROT, THE PEACOCK THAT WAS NOT THERE FOR LONG DON’T KNOW WERE IT WENT. THE SPIDER MONKEY THAT WAS ALWAYS STEALING OR THE BOA CONSTRICTOR THE VIET NAMESE TRIED TO GIVE US BUT WAS VIGOROUSLY REFUSED. HERB I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN AND IF SO I WILL TELL YOU THE TRUE STORY OF HOW THE SECURITY TEAM WOUND UP IN TUY HOA TEAM 28.
I digress. I was in the bunker on the north side of the compound during one of the mortar or rocket attacks. I was knocked down twice and received slight burns on my right hand and some blisters on my face and ringing in my ears, which I thought would go away……their still ringing. The burns, I doctored myself and were gone in several days. I might file a complaint with the VA……..perhaps to late, nonetheless. Thanks Brothers!
I took the desk job, too. Not as easy as it looked. An occasion came up where I was able to help my CO out of an administrative jam. My reward…..backseat ride in a T-33 jet trainer. He let me fly it after take-off until landing. One of the great thrills of my life.
I can’t remember the Provincial HQ or the TOC ever getting hit, just the beach compound. Funny how that worked out.
My friends thought I was in trouble when the FBI was in my neighborhood asking questions about me. Just the security clearance.
Yes, I did.
I had a TS clearance, and I’m pretty sure all the FAC pilots did too. The USAF TACP radio operators also must have had clearances, at least for Secret, because they handled the coded messages.
We had enough clearance to change the secure voice codes daily. BTW, you still in Florida Jacques? I’m in Rockledge; along the space coast.
Did any of you have a security clearance ?
The LRRP teams I remember were from the 4th infantry. What about Sgt. Kim of White Horse ROK , does anyone remember him? He was an artilleryman and a great guy. He once took me to a Korean USO show, I was the only Anglo there……..young beautiful Korean girls…you get the picture.
J D Smith. Does anyone remember the LRRP teams from the 4th infantry division. They would have been at the team 28 compound in 1970. They were crazy boys and I always thought they were probably involved with the Phoenix program…….just a thought. Also a captain Negron who was tied in with the spooks. Does anyone remember these guys?
I remember one group of guys. All wearing slightly faded OD jungles without insignia. Got to know one of them well enough (over beers) that he asked me to hang on to his wallet for a couple of days while his group “was in the bush”. True to his word he was back for his wallet 3 days later. Now sober, I asked him why he would trust a stranger to hold his wallet. He replied that he liked and trusted the FAC guys. When I asked about his unit he said “We’re part of the Herd”, meaning 173d Airborne. Don’t know if this description fits your LRRP team or not. My pilots did talk about poker night at the Phoenix house, but very few of them went more than once. The name Negron rings a bell but I don’t know why. Keep in mind that I wasn’t even 19 yet when all this was going on around me. Just young, dumb and full of ………….
I also remember guys from the 173rd being around at some point. One thing that has always stuck with me was one of them showing me a stack of photos showing their “kills” from their last mission. Occasionally wondered how that guy did transitioning back home?
Sgt. J D Smith Yeah I remember the pool table bombing, but there were other mortar attacks later on. Like you said, the time and space has become somewhat garbled. Thanks Sgt. Michael Shaw.
I left in Sept. of 1969 and remember North field well. It was guarded by two companies of ARVN if I remember correctly. We had a very large problem with them Christmas night in 1968. Three FAC air force guys and myself came very close to being killed. I have a hard time believing I am alive today because of that night.
this af major flew out og tuy hoa air force base…single shot through head early 68…maybe march april…tragic
I don’t remember the names of FACs KIA except one that had been with the MACV Tm 28 and was transferred in early 1969? to the Steve Canyon program as FAC in Laos (Lt. Green). I heard he was KIA there, but I’m not sure if it’s a fact. Re South Field, now I remember that that was the PSP runway field by the hill we flew out of through 8/69. It was guarded by ARVN troops.
Jack, I was stationed as a 2LT at the main Tuy Hoa F-100 base (Nov 68-Dec 69) and became acquainted with Herb FAC Lt Green who flew in and parked his O-1…as he was pushing his O-1 into the revetments near my fighter squadron (I was the Maintenance Officer) I saw a really upset guy in a fight bag walking across the ramp and asked about his hang dog look as he told me he had dinged a wing tip pushing back into the revetment and was defintiely in BIG trouble with the 21 TASS at Nha Trang. I immediately figured I could help and maybe even get to fly with him. Told him to let me look at the crumpled right wing tip and broken formation light. Told him to go on to the club and let me see if I could help and then got a couple of sheet metal and electrical guys from main base to fix it for a case of beer. WIN WIN! There after I flew several times with him in the O-1 and later Maj Hoke and Matt Schack on several O-2 FAC missions which got me out from behind the wire and allowed me to fly a bit in the O-1/O-2 (I have a genetic eye problem that kept me from flight training). A month later when we had flown Lt Green told me he was signing onto a classified Steve Canyon program because the O-1s were to be replaced by O-2 which ended my flying with him but luckily continued with Hoke, Schack and the HERB FACs. Smokey Green, became Raven 42, went on to fly several missions in Laos dueling with PL and the NVA big time. He survived and came back alive continued his AF career as I did and retired as a USAF Colonel. Does anyone have any contact with Matt Schack? Bill McDonald Colonel USAF retired
In early 68 a fav pilot was killed a single shot through head in dong cusn district., my team went and got his body u know name?
Sorry af fac pilot.. Dong dong district in my jungle.. Name?
We had O2’s when I was there. No O1’s.
Our pilots would ride to the airbase each day where the planes were kept overnight. We were always at the MACV compound. Once in awhile the pilots and crew chief would remain overnight at the airbase. They would sometimes land at South Field (?). We would have to drive over there and give weather conditions before they landed. One time the pilot was told that the visibility was 93 million miles. When the pilot asked about that, we told him it was based on the fact that we could see the sun. Still get a kick out of that.
What did you do when you left? Did you get out or stay in? I was told to either extend, or volunteer for another overseas base if I wanted to stay a radio operator. My choices to go home were security police or administrative specialist. I chose admin and quickly found out it was no easy desk job.
Michael, when did the TACP move to the air base? It was at the beach compound when I left, and we were flying “Spottybody” (the O-1 Birddog) out of the nearby airfield by the hill.
Mike had left prior to the move. Basically, an AF Reserve or Guard unit would rotate home, and then an Army aviation unit would move over from Phu Heip. The TACP moved over around July-August 1970. Eventually it was all Army and us. Mike mentioned driving to the small airfield to give weather info to the Facs; we also had to walk the field for FOD and booby traps. The Vietnamese Facs kept using it and still flew the O1’s up to the time I left in March 1971.
Jacques Island here. I served with the USAF TACP (Herb FACs) as the team’s Intelligence Ops Specialist from 8/68 to 8/69. We may have crossed paths for a week or two before I rotated out. I’m wondering if you remember who replaced me as the team’s intelligence operative.
When the TACP moved from the beach compound to the air base our intel guy was called “Gordo”. Don’t know if Gordon was his first or last name. Funny that I don’t remember him being at the TOC, but he was funny, friendly and just one of the guys at the air base.
Island? I remember your name! Do you remember me? Sgt. Pat Hardesty. I was at team 28 9-5-68 to 9-5-69. I was detached from the 261st
I just pulled up some pictures and there you were with Charlie and Ed . Blond hair and all. If you want me to send you some pictures let me know and I will send you. I’ve got about 100 or so. You I think we’re holding Facker the Dog! Were you with me and George Christmas Night of 1968? We went to North Field to party and drink. We took Sam the kid mascot and got a couple of other people. When we were ready to leave the ARVN guards wouldn’t let us leave. They wanted Sam and the others. After arguing for sometime all the ARVN that were gaurding the airstrip came around us in front of the gate. We decided to leave going out the back way over the wire. We started driving away got about 25 yards and one of the ARVN fired a burst in our direction. Three of us jumped out of the truck at the same time locked and loaded and drew down on the entire group of ARVN. There had to be at least 100 or so. For whatever reason the ARVN threw down their weapons and put their hands up. They then let us and Sam go out the gate. We let them have the two others. God must’ve been with the three of us that day! We should’ve been all killed. My email is pthardesty@sbcglobal.net
I am Sgt Michael Shaw. USAF radio operator working with Herb FACS. Stationed at the MACV Team 28 from August 1969 to June 1970. I remember many mortar attacks but the dates are mostly fuzzy. The one which sticks in my mind the most was Memorial Day. Several rounds landed inside the compound. One destroyed our pool table! Thank God nobody was hurt.
I am 1Lt. Robert L Clark. I was stationed at the beach compound from August 1970 till about March 1971. The first Mortar attack I experienced was in February 1971. Mortars came from North of the Compound to the South. They were trying to hit our fuel dump. I remember one Marine was medivaced out. My bunker was in the Northeast part of the Compound across from the Helipad. Don’t remember any other dates.
Sgt. J D SMITH I was attached to team 28 from the 261 signal bn. I was stationed at the beach compound. I believe I started my time there around April or May of 1970.During my time with the Advisory team, which was close to seven months we received several mortar attacks. If any one can remember the mortars dates– please let me know. Thanks!
Louis Cole 70 -71 Tall order asking for specific dates! I can remember a few before and some after we were given bunker assignments. Seems like they were always after the team house and the naval gunfire marines. Someone said that the pilots and radio operators were also targets but I think that was just to scare us.
There was a mortar attack on the night of July 3 – July 4, 1970. I remember it well, because it was my first night at Tuy Hoa. I was with material control for the USAF combat support group.
Sgt. Smith, I was at the Beach Compound in 1969 from the 261st, I was the NCOIC for the Comm Ctr until rotating out in Sept of 69, I left the place with a Spec 4 Roger Weir from West Covina CA in charge, would you have any knowledge of him?
PS we were the ones who stole the surfboard from the Air Base.
Dennis, my name is pat Hardesty Sgt. E-5 at team 28. I was attached to team 28 from the 261st. Also. Was at team 28 from Aug. 67 to Dec. 67 med-evacked out in Dec. 67. Came back to team 28 from 9-5-68 and left Team 28 8-30-1969 and discharge 9-5-1969. I remember Sgt. Thaxton as the NCOIC. I must have know you but can’t remember you. Remember me?
Hi Pat, I’m not very good at remembering names so I don’t remember if you were at Team 28 when I was or not. I started out at the 261st around the end of February 1968. For the first month or so,I along with a Sgt. (don’t remember name) and one or two other guys started us the first MARS station in the company. Sometime in March or April I along with James Bost and Dave Schmidt we were ordered to MACV Team 28 to be the operators of the Phu Yen province NCS. The three of us worked the radios six hours on and twelve hours off. We were all there until Feb. 1969. We went back to the signal company and worked the MARS station for our last couple of weeks in country. By that time the MARS station had changed from a broken down old shack with one light bulb, one table, two chairs, and one single side band radio with no amp, into a fancy air-conditioned building with separate phone booths, multiple amplified radios. Quite the set up. I remember Maj. Craven, very nice guy, at MACV but not any others. Does any of this relate to you? It’s been a long long time. Spc. 4 Barry Totman
Hi Barry,
I kind of remember your name but, like you said it’s been a long time. I was at team 28 9-5-68 to 8-30-69 . I spent maybe two weeks at 261st. All the rest of the time was at team 28. There were about 5 of us that maintained all the communications, phones, switchboard etc. 12 hours on 12 hours off. During the 12 off I went on many missions with Major Craven and sgt Dung our interpreter. Also went on a lot of rides with the Air force FAC plane as a spotter. Sgt E-6 Thaxton was the NCOIC. I was promoted to Sgt E-5 I think 2-69.
Pat
Pat, Thank you so much for replying. I do remember a Sgt. Thaxton. It seems to me his quarters were about two or three billet rooms down from mine. I have a document submitted by a Maj. Francis M. Williams that indicates I was there from 1 June 1968 to 23 February 1969. For some reason I don’t think those dates are exactly right, but they are pretty close. In any event we were there at the same time. I’ve tried many times to locate and contact James Bost but have had no success. He was the best buddy I had there. Being stationed at MACV and working the hours I worked didn’t give me much time to socialize or make friends except for the guys I roomed and worked with. We were a pretty small group. There were two other guys from the 261st that were there the same time period, but I don’t remember what their job assignments were, Larry Rosengren and Melvin Cooper. Coop left a little before I did, he was from New York. Larry and I were inducted at the same time, both from South Dakota. It’s good hearing from you. I wish there were more people I could relate to, but I probably wouldn’t remember exactly who they were but it would be good to make contact. Thanks again. Barry
Hi Pat. Do you remember any of the Herb FAC names? Flew a bit with them and would sure like to make contact. I was over at Tuy Hoa AB south of you but had been to the MACV compound several times.
That board was still in good shape when I used it during my 70-71 tour. Always thought someone brought it back from an Australia R&R and donated it to the compound. Well, at least it was donated!
Are you the J D Smith who was at the Ia Drang and at Fort Ord, as a drill sergeant for AIT training truck drivers in summer 1973?
Happy Veterans Day MACV TM 28.
Contact me at my gmail acct: co1951le@gmail.com and I will respond on my regular email acct.
I’m having a hard time with that memory Mike. It sounds like something I would do though! I was just an 18 year old FNG fresh out of radio school when you met me. Teaching me to maintain the generators and work the radios up at the TOC must have been quite a chore for your last job huh? Don’t remember what happened to that air conditioner but I’m pretty sure it never got fixed. Steve Dike’s picture of the medical bunker (scroll down to his post) brought back memories….hell it was right outside our hooch! You might remember him as our mail clerk. His room mate Earl and I became friends along with one of the Army radio guys, John Riley. Our guys are mostly faces in my dreams, all of you older and wiser than me. Fill me in if you remember their names. I became very jealous of our Army buddies because they were headed to civilian life when they left. I don’t know about you but I still had nearly 3 years left on my first enlistment when I rotated home!
I departed in June 1970. I’m pretty sure you were my replacement Louis Cole. I remember that we stole an air conditioner from the 101’st as they were pulling out and being replaced by the Koreans. We needed a time delay circuit breaker to get it to work. Did you ever get one?
To my knowledge I was the last Air Force guy to actually live at the beach compound. We had a full TACP there when I arrived in March of 1970. The runway was used only sparingly by then because our pilots and mechanics were making the daily commute to the airbase where our O2’s were more secure. When the Army took over the airbase my team moved there. I stayed behind to continue training the VNAF radio operators in the TOC. My ALO put me in his hooch, man I had It made! 19 years old 2 striper from California living in senior officer’s quarters. As you can imagine, my training mission was a fast success and I rejoined my team in less than a month.
Greetings All,
In February I mentioned I was looking for perspectives on the war in Phu Yen as a part of my dissertation on pacification. I’ve heard from a few veterans and I’m still looking to chat with more veterans about their time in province. Feel free to email me at robert.john.thompson@gmail.com. Also, if anyone has an email address for Charles Varnum and can send it to me, I’d greatly appreciate it.
June 1969 to June 1970
You took me out of the Seniors WSOP in Las Vegas. Remember ? I had A. K. Suited and you had pocket nines.
My name is Larry Shook. I was stationed in Dong Tre Nov 68-Nov 69. Have many memories of that time. Visited Tuy Hoa and Dong Tre 5 years ago. Only thing you could recognize at Dong Tre was the airstrip. Involved now in Point Man Ministry. There are churches and orphanages there we support. Would like to find guys I was in Dong Tre with. Only remember LT Vivio, our team leader. My email is shookpointman@aol.com
Good morning Larry,
As my previous reply noted, I was shuffled around and flown around to many hot spots as events happened. Since I was willing to go out and never want to stay in the office because I can’t stand the pompous province chief col Ba either,I just made myself available to any adviser or team that are going out. I truly don’t remember any names, we were there for a week and then had to fly out somewhere again. I tried to stay away from the officers, only when I am needed and so again very names stood out, maybe major Paige AF fac pilot? Capt Johnson also an AF fac pilot, sgt E7 Williams a former SF fluent in VN…. The others are just now a slow blur, sorry Larry, events stood out more than people. It was so long ago and with so many things afterward, I wish I could remember more because those people are still special for me too.
Good morning, Do,
I landed on this page while doing some research about Vietnam. I served with the Air Force team (Tactical Air Control Party, or TACP) assigned to MACV Team 28 out of Tuy Hoa under the ALO/FACs for ground radio and intel, and, like you, occasional Bird-dog backseater on recon flights and air strikes. The ALO (and a FAC) you referred to was Major Forrest W. Page, my team commander. (He was later replaced by Major Hoke.) I seem to remember you from a couple of POW interrogations we needed an interpreter for? It was an interesting time and I have special memories of the Vietnamese, Americans, Australians and Koreans we served with. Where are you living now? I’m in Florida and my email is jisla@me.com.
jack the first posting should have read this is raymond bartlett and i have a pic of you and Maj hope and my email ad is raymondbartlett84@gmail.com if you will send your ad.by way of my email i will send you a hard copy
Hello Jacques,
I don’t remember if I replied to this post of yours? Here is one many years later…hope you are doing well in FL, I also flew with Cpt. Johnson USAF, also a FAC out of Tuy Hoa, but he came to Đông Tre to refuel and get local intel from the American SF there, I believed it was from that strip that I flew from with him??? Too many years now!
Thank you for your service over there, you gave us all the chance to grow up, to decided with our feet to run for freedom in 1975! Thank you…thank you
Do Dinh Dung, my uncle, Zed Lee Williams was with you. He had asked me to try and locate you on line before he passed. Have seen pictures of you with him. Wish I could tell him I finally found you. Take care, Erik
Hi,
I believe I have a number of pictures of you
with Z. Williams . I recently acquired a photo lot
of old military pictures ( I collect them). If interested
please let me know and I’ll get you some copies..
Regards
Eric
Are you sure it’s me? I was there from May 68 to May 69. Even if not, I’d love to see your pictures. It was quite an experience and I might see pics of people I knew and remember their names,
Thanks,
Larry
Good morning Eric on this glorious blessed Saturday of Easter!
I would love to have any pictures of Z. Williams,
If you can, please send them to my email: dodinhdzung@gmail.com
I truly thank you, and also want to thank you on behalf of all of us the South Vietnamese soldiers and people,
thank you for your time helping us against the red tide, you and all our American soldiers gave us enough breathing room, so that in 1975, a lot of us knew to vote with our feet and left for real freedom all over the world! Your sacrifice was not in vain, you showed us and to the world the real meaning of freedom fighters against the communist minions!
May you and family have a blessed Easter!
Sgt Dung, my name is Larry Shook. I was stationed in Dong Tre from Nov 68 to Nov 69. When was DongTre overun? Do you remember anyone who was there during 68-69?
Dong Tre overrun? That must have happened after I left the province in Feb ’70. Or could it have been pre Feb ’69? I made the trip from La Hai to Dong Tre several times with only one jeep and one other person. Do you remember the State Dept DSA? When I got there I slept under one of the guard towers. Good guys on the team. Just no love lost between them and the DSA.
Dong Tre took a very hard hit the night of August 8, 1970 by NVA. A couple of the Vietnamese PF Commander Capt. Vu’s children were killed & his wife wounded if I remember correctly. They were targeting Vu because of his effectiveness. Sappers inside their wire – but not overrun, Puff provided very close air support we could see from Ha Hai – we were hit too with recoilless rifle fire from the mountain. The US Army laison between the artillery battery and the MACV Team at Dong Xuan was 1Lt Carl Steven Backstrom – he was from Pennsylvania. I was the Phoenix Program Advisor at Dong Xuan from January thru mid December 1970.
I noticed you mentioned a Captain Vu. I knew a Major Vu (name had a waivy thing over the “u” in his last name). He was commander of the 206 Regional Forces Battalion in 1972 when i was in Tuy Hoa. It may be the same guy.
My interpreter on MAT II-57 was Thom who was a really alright man. Does any body remember him?
Thanks! I will send him an email
The 5 members of MAT II-57 that we replaced got wiped out on hill 40. During my tour, hill 40 got wiped out again, however, for some reason we stayed at our team house that night. My Major & I got to hill 40 about dawn & I almost got killed because of my stupidity of attempting to pickup an item that was attached to a mine. My Major(God bless him) saved me. This is when our team was staying in Tuy Hoa. My interpreter Thom told me I was lucky.
I was the Medic on MAT II-57 Team 28 MACV. I must have a mental block. I don’t have any recollection of another team.
I don’t remember the other district. I do remember how good those lobster were. Also we used to take the boat out on the South China Sea where that sunken ship was to fish. Song Cau peninsula was beautiful. When the seals were home right down the way, we used to play poker with them.
The shrimp were very large and we enjoyed them….our compound…you could throw a baseball all the way over it was satchel charged probably when you were at song …do you remember the team’s medic? Wondered about him after he stepped on the Mind never heard if he lived or died…maybe the other district…thks for all you guys did for us ….
Hi Col. Clark,
My Name is SSG Weldon G. Brewer. I arrived at team 28 in October 1969 & left about the same time in 1969. I was assigned to MAT II-57 as the Medic. I worked out of Tuy hoa for awhile & also Song Cau for awhile. I remember capt McDonald, SFC Woodin, & SSg Rehn. For the life of me I can’t remember the other officers name.
Was assistant district advisor in dong xuan..la hai..68/69 who was that medic who stepped on the bouncing betty and what became of him….met him as he was there for years taking care of the Vietnamese…it might have been the district north or south of you. We use to send you guys cross bows and you sent us shrimp and lobsters. There was a tragedy at one of those districts where the district chief tied a woman VC to a pole and shot her with a m79 ..in front of the villagers and unfortunately the US district advisor….can’t remember names but we loved song can….what was the other district on the coast.
Province Senior Advisor (Military) July ’70 to December ’70. Phu Yen Province. Had Song Cau, Dong Xuan, Tuy An, Tuy Hoa, Son Hoa, and Hieu Xuong responsibility. Like to hear from all Team 28 Members. Thanks to all who served. Especially to MAT Team Members.
Don Clark, USA Retired
Did you work with or come across my Father: Captain John “Jay” Rhodes III? He was an advisor for Team 28. i have some interesting films from his 7-8mm color camera –
helicopter and plane flight, combat stuff involved.
I served on Advisory Team 28 for about a year with your father and feel like we were good friends. I can share my thoughts with you should you wan to hear them. I was the Team’s Engineer officer. Ppaul Cote cotepaul44@gmail.com
I remember Rhodes, but have forgotten the first name. Was your father a West Point graduate ? If so, I did work with him.
COL Clark – Do you remember my ALO? (USAF MAJ Vernon E. Dudley?) Did you ever get a check ride in one of our O2’s? Just curious…
LTC. Don Clark – I was the Assistant Team Leader/Team Leader of MAT II-10 and then Team Leader of MAT II-113 , Tuy Hoa District. I was there from March 70 through February 71. We were located at the airstrip across Highway 1 from the city. I believe I have a photo of you when you were at our compound. Please contact me at theledyards@comcast.net. Mike Ledyard.
Hi lt Ledyards ! Your Interpreter that time name Chung Tran , he my brother in law . He still remember you the time together in Mat Team II 10 .
He say Hi to you and will contact with you by email . His email is bochungtran@gmail.com , he living with family at San Diego now aday .
Hi LTC Clark. SFC Frank Mataro here. I was assigned to Mat Team 28, Son Hoa District from November 1969-September 1970 as the Operations/Intelligence Advisor. When I left Son Hoa, Captain Joseph Botello was the DSA and Captain Morris was his assistant. Sorry but these are the only two names I remember.
Does anyone remember the date the team 28 compound was attacked and they got inside our wire?
I don’t recall the exact date, but on a night a few days before the TET offensive in 1968, the beach compound was attacked on the North side. The guard post reported that the fence had been breached and VC were in the compound. The attack ended rather abruptly after about 30 minutes. No bodies were found in the compound. The breach point was a small portion of the fence, apparently damaged by a satchel charge.
After-TET intelligence reports suggested that the attack on the compound was a probe to test the strength of its defense and was actually carried out by NVA. A few nights later, the main TET attack on Tuy Hoa was at the landing strip on the West side of the city. The compound took a few mortar rounds, but no ground attack.
Except for random mortar attacks, that was the only attack on the compound between November ’67 and October ’68.
Do you remember the medic’s name. Our medic at Dong Tre was an E8
probably f
before u got there medic was a e5 or 6…dirty blond type…great guy..drove jeep when we were hit…two 1lt ahead of sf at dong tre when I was there,,,
I remember using one of your duster crews to go down the road toward La Hai and fire direct support for one of our teams in trouble.
one of the dusters hit a mine just near the bridge outside of la hai 3 killed…late 68/69…bad day
I was stationed in Dong Tre Nov 68-Nov 69. Lt Vivio was tm cmdr.
Does anyone remember anyone from the team in Dong Tre 1968-1969? I have pics of the camp but don’t know how to put them on this site..
Dong tre was a camp south of la hai dong xuan district….was assistant district advisor there from 68 to 69 then went to another team at a sf camp south of dong tre for a couple of months.
Do you remember Lt Vivio or anyone else there then. I visited there 5 years ago. Couldn’t recognize anything but the airstrip
there was a medic there that went with me on a convoy for us and his team at dong tre…we swapped a lot of crossbows for a 15kw generator and a lot of cement. We were fired on and he drove like a bat out of hell…good guy. Ran into a NVA spy who was chef in a Vietnamese restaurant in London years later.He was stationed in the village right next to your camp. he was devastated by the war. he got there in 69 and stayed till they captured Saigon. free meal and no hate
SFC Johnson doesn’t ring a bell. Matt II-57 spent the last few months in Song Cau in my tour. SSG Brewer
Didn’t belong to Tm #28 but had some exciting times at Tuy Hoa with the 173rdAbn Bde during TET 68 as we battled the VC/NVA in and around the the city….
worked with you guys in 68/69 when you guys went in battalion force into the kilo valley…was also survival assistance officer before going to nam at ft bragg…buried guys that were on hill 875 dak to area…brother in law was there …one of the worse battles of the war…the bastard brigade…great troops
Your pictures of Dong Tre are either before or after the US arty base was next door. Wasn’t overrun when I was there, 68-69
I was in Dong Tre 68-69 with Lt Viveo. Did you ever land there?
I posted a bunch of my Tm 28 photos here:
A lot of places I went, a few people and some odds and ends. If any of the information is wrong, or more importantly, you can add anything, please leave a comment.
Forgot to mention, click on the first photo and it will take you to the page with text and the comment box for each photo.
Thanks
that looks like the bridge going into la hai but a section of it had been blown…chopper tried to go under bridge and hit it…got there with my interpreter and low crawled as the jet fuel was setting off ammo….pilots feet were sticking out of the bubble and as I am crawling I think of the wicked witch in Wizard of Oz when house lands on her and the ruby slippers sticking out…weird…put my hand in to feel his pulse and felt one…it was my own…guy had 2 weeks left in country and became careless..was from Oklahoma…he lives with me every time I see or hear a huey. 3 killed…..we called it heart ache bridge…duster and chopper…
Thks steve all my pictures were lost in a fire years later. The aerial view of the bridge in Dong Xuan if you look to the right you will see a battalion hdgs of the tiger division Korean that cam there 1/2 through my tour may 68 till 69…it looks like the span that was blown by nva was rebuilt in your time. The only road from la hai to dong tre was named ambush alley…road mines killed many vietnames and 3 americans while I was there. Dong tre was hit in 70 or 71 and a silver star was awarded to one of the wounded officers…dont think they were over run…very strong camp when I was there 500 sf vietnamese and a company of us artillery..we had no district macv people there but the village was checked by us monthly.Thks again for pictures…you could throw a base ball over our compound..we had built the team house and it was blown up with satchel charges just before we were to move in. Hdqs sent a engineer platoon and built another one in a week. After being hit they dropped agent orange literally on top of us according to the agent orange map…many times after.Major Lang (retired a col)died of cancer a few years back …rt prostrate.The district advisor before I got there wrote a book about the kilo valley …called Valley of Peril…that hill north of our compound was attacked by a nva company in 67 when he was there.
Many thanks your photos , it make me remember to many good memories in the past .
Got lots of stories about the arty at Dong Tre. We used to use your Dusters for H&I fire
I was stationed in Dong Tre (A 222) 1968-1969. I recall the arty battery next door and some incidents there. They kept cutting my wd1 that went out our gate until I used a M1 carbine and grenade launcher to launch wd1 across our wire into theirs. Never got cut after that.
There was a medic there who road with me to tuy hoa..went there a few times…sure we meet…co. la hai….
Hello All,
I’m a US History PhD student writing a dissertation on pacification and Phu Yen. I’ve spoken with some vets about the war in Phu Yen and would greatly appreciate getting additional perspectives. My email is robert.john.thompson@gmail.com.
Do you remember anyone there from 68-69. We had a lot going on from time to time. I visited Dong Tre 5 years ago, and Tuy Hoa last fall. Looks a lot different now.
Hi again Larry, I’m going to Viet Nam in Feb but probably won’t get to Tuy Hoa…Google Earth tells me its cleaned up a bit, new bridge going across the river instead of the one shared by the railroad and the airbase/airport looks like a desert but not a lot going on. I flew around the province quite a bit but don’t remember where Dong Tre was….Thanks for keeping up…..brings back a lot. Lea
I was looking for a MACV pin to wear on my ball cap and happened across this site. Started paging through and saw a note about your going back on a visit so kept looking. I put my momentos in a black lacquer book/box and then into a box and away in a closet. Remember watching the movie M*A*S*H at a drive in? Yup has to be me. Became a geologist/biologist/NPS park ranger giving programs about places like Dinosaur, Grand Canyon, Zion and Bighorn Canyon. Three kids and third grandkid on way. Retired in Lovell, Wyoming now. Let me hear back. Jim Staebler (Lea and I shared a room for most of 69 at the beach compound. I visited him in upstate New York about a year or so after returning home).
I was in Team 28 in 1971. Also, commanded an Artillery battery in Dong Tre in 1968.
Duster hit a mine killed crew in 68/69…worked with your fo wrote one up he up for commendation medal with v….we were attacked and our team house was satchel charged along with other buildings guy did a heroic job..
Went there a great deal….you fired for us in la hai….was on seen after duster guys hit mine…met you I am sure….co of macv team district…remember ambush alley…you fired for me there when we were ambushed..
Mr Ron Thayer,
My Uncle Ronald Davis was under your command in 1967 1968 apparently in Dong Tre. Your signature is on a request for a USARV Certificate of Achievement. Ronald L Davis went to Vietnam with the 7th Bn 15th Artillery arriving on the USNS General Walker in June of 1967 after 22 days on the ship.
Arrived at Phu Cat and stayed for appox 3/12 weeks then convoyed to Bong Sung with “A” Battery in support of the 1st Cav at LZ English.
Around August 1st he was transferred to 6th Battalion 32 Artillery further east near Tuy Hoe was the HQ.He Cannot remember the name of the FSB, now in support of the 173rd and S Korean White Tiger Div.
Around November 1967 he and the 6th/32nd moved further inland to a village named Dong Tre near an ARVN Special Forces Camp. At this time he was on Gun 2 175MM and was Spec4.
I was wondering if you remember him. Would you be willing to share any stories about this time in Vietnam? He has talked just a little about his time in Vietnam and it has been just recent. He survived the TET there. He was almost hit by sniper fire. Bullet blazed past his head and broke a 2 1/2 ton mirror. Jesus was with him that night. Spoke of the north side of the compound being hit by Zappers only to be help back by the 173rd and twin 40mm.
I believe he has participated in the Vietnam Oral History project. I am not quite sure. He is just now starting to talk more about the war. I just wanted to get some information for our family records for future generations.
If there is anything you could add to this time in Vietnam, anything at all would be wonderful. Anything, funny, sad, silly, scary. Or anything you can think of would really be appreciated.
Please Email me at brown3699@gmail.com
Thank you, and thank you for your service!!
Richard Brown SSG
USA Ret
Lt Boatwright, where were you at, in Tuy Hoa, or in a team in the province? I was in Dong Tre from 68-69 with Lt Vivio. Did you know him? I would like to get together with the Dong Tre team.
Hi Larry, I was the assistant S-2 advisor at the province HQ …followed by being one of the Tactical Operations Center duty officers. don’t remember Lt Vivio but there were a lot of people coming back and forth from the districts and it has been 45 years.
Hi Lea, I was the S-2 advisor at Phu Yen Province HQ Nov., ’67 to Oct., ’68. I don’t recall you working with me. We must have missed each other. Counterpart was CPT Li. Team XO was Arville Hickerson.
Hi Gary, I was actually the very green 2nd Lt that replaced you…You and your CIA buddy took me to my first Intell briefing on monday mornings at the airbase. Hope you are well if you ever catch up to this. If you have never seen it get a used copy of a book called “War of the Innocents” by Charles Breacelan Flood. He spen a year in Phu Yen Province and wrote the novel.
Sincerely Lea Boatwright – formerly 1st Lt MI Howard Lea Boatwright
were you a captain? you would remember us in La Hai as we were hit with satchel charges and I am sure I met you.
Lea, as detachment clerk, mail clerk, chou-hoi paymaster and guard, I was uniquely positioned to engage with a host of screwballs, misfits and prima donnas. Obviously, there were many fine people who served honorably and bravely. And though it has been forty-five years, this cast of characters remains rather vividly with me. From the Mess Sgt who arranged for the theft of one of the Colonel’s Jeeps ( ultimately selling its components) to fund his dream of building a whore house on the beach, to the Jewish Lt. who saved an E-4 from being swept away in a rip tide in full view of a cowardly collection of anti-semites, I remember. I remember a lot. I’ll check out your sister’s book. God bless you.
Boy Lawrence, Every time you scratch the surface some other recollection hits me. One of my extra duties was being the Mess Officer for about 4 months. Do you remember when the kitchen staff was told by the mess Sgt to clean the floor (grout) better so the got some gasoline and blew the place up burning a bunch of them pretty badly…poor saps. I think that’s the same Mess Sgt that I had to dig out of his bed at noon one day so drunk he couldn’t stand up….I believe that led to a court martial…..and the beat goes on!
And the memories cascade, Lea. I sort of bonded with the mess sgt’s Vietnamese counterpart who one day invited me to a Sunday dinner at his ( extremely ) modest shack in Tuy Hoa. He wanted to give me a sample of what ” good ” food tasted like. I began raving about, and gobbling up, a platter of leaf-wrapped meat at that dinner and asked what it was. He said, “pig”. I then aked how it had been cooked. He proudly exclaimed, “No cook!” Apparently they wrapped the raw morsels in leaves and spread them on the metal roof of their shack for a few hours that day. I didn’t eat any more, his culinary “trichs” notwithstanding.
Don’t remember either of my teams numbers….dong xuan and the district where the other sf camp was…you were a congenial guy…I
Lea, I remember that your sister used to send you boo coo ( beaucoup ) letters. She wrote in distinctive block letters. Do you, perchance, remember the opening of the officer’s club which coincided with the 1st sgt’s deros? I got into a tiff with a drunken Major Anderson smeared him with potato salad from the buffet. The Colonel dressed him down the next day while I got off, ahem, “scot free”. I’m happy to hear that you have quit drinking. I’ve often thought of those days. You are one of the few I recall with good memories.
Lawrence…I don’t remember that specific occasion but I think that Maj. Anderson was my nemesis…very straight laced and I thought he was the one who was assistant to the Bird Col. that was the Province Chief’s direct advisor. Hell, its only been 45 years…I’m surprised this much is still in the memory bank. My sister did write a lot…comes naturally as she is a writer. She has a pretty great book out called ” Collateral Damage ” By Alice Boatwright….If you are interested you can fine it on Amazon.com Keep the thoughts coming….I’m enjoying the Look Back. Lea
I remember that scene….it was a going away party I think….a navy lt lost his leg on a boat propeller…ship was off shore and they came in for party…we visited him later….it was my party and someone else…unless Anderson was always getting food thrown on him…
I still haven’t heard from anyone that was a member of MAT 2 – 57. I was assigned to the team from November 1969 to November 1970. If anyone knew of any of my Team members SSG Rehn(possibly misspelled), SFC Woodin, Capt. McDonald, & myself SSG Weldon Glenn Brewer — please e-mail me at weldonbrewer@outlook.com.
Brotherly Love to all my VietNam Vet. Brothers.
Being stationed in Dong Tre, we never saw much at Hqs. Does anyone remember anyone who was in Dong Tre from 68- to 69? I would like to hear from them
Lea, thanks for clarifying name of Col Ba. I had a run-in with him. I remember you well. We had a few drinks and listened to Beatles in you room across from the mail room. I recall that Major Craven had a problem with that as I was an E-4. After an alcohol-propelled discussion laced with expletives about the merits of rock and roll, he put an end to our overt fraternizing.
Hey Lawrence…I seem to remember that if you were into my music, it was all good with me regardless of rank….and Maj. Bill was pretty much of a career guy but I still liked him. What a great memory though…our mamasan had our ice bucket filled every day before she left a 5…haven’t had a drink in 23 yrs now though…probably why I’m writing this today…Lea
Being stationed in Dong Tre, we hardly saw anyone over the rank of Captain. Being away from the flag pole has many benefits.
Lawrence Scott. I was there from Nov 68 to Nov 69, but I was stationed in Dong Tre and never did shoot myself. I do recall a Sgt Dung. I was in Vietnam from Sep to Oct this year and had an opportunity to have lunch in Tuy Hoa.
Larry Shook, did you know army Majors, Anderson, Mauser, or ARVN Colonel Hoa? I have some good stories about them. I also knew army Lt Boatwright.
How nice (I think ) that someone remembers my name from Team 28 Aug ’68 to Aug ’69. Some people I remember were Maj. Cleary who was in Song Cau, and Maj. Bill Craven in Tuy Hoa. I also visit the wall and Arlington to visit young Lt.James Ward who was overrun with his RF Co. north of Tuy Hoa on July 11th 1969. God bless us all….Lea Boatwright
Lea, I am Carlos Escobedo. I was the PsyOps officer attached to MACV Team 28. I do remember you. Also, I was the duty officer the night Hill 40 was overrun and Lt. James Ward was killed along with Sgt. Joel Kitchens and the other MATS team members. We lit up the chopper pad just outside the compound so Medivac choppers could bring in wounded Vietnamese soldiers to be taken to local hospital. Best wishes to you, brother.
Carlos, I read your comment on that unfortunate battle in Son Cau.(Son Hoa?). Too many brothers lost. How sad. I arrived as your Tuy Hoa Team 28 room mate in June 1969 and became the Team’s engineer advisor. It was a privilege to serve with you. What good time we had much later at our short reunion in Miami a few years ago. My wife, Susan, and I are still living near Sarasota, FL. Like many of us on the team, I took many slide photos. I regret not keeping a diary. We were stationed with so many dedicated solders and airmen who performed their duties during that challenging time of political unrest. We performed our respective tasks, drank some beer and played volleyball.
Best regards to you and all Team 28 members who may read our comments.
Paul Cote
1LT Corps of Engineers
MACV Team 28 Tuy Hoa
June ‘69 — May 1970
From Nov 68 to Nov 69 I was in advisor tm 28 at Dong Tre. The only name I recall was our tm leader Lt Vivio. Would like to hear from anyone who was there
I never saw any drug use at Advisory Team #28 (2-67 – 11-68). As the Senior Adviser’s (Light Colonel) clerk I was in a position to know. Of the three colonels I served, the first, Colonel Cade was the best (and black as coal). He requested duty with the U.S. 4th Division.
Rick Nelson, please see my comments to Larry Shook above. You probably knew some of those above. I was detachment clerk, mail clerk and also built the officer’s club at the team compound.
me neither but we only came in ever month or so…the guy between Cade and Bagget(?) was a drunk and real ao…was with a few members of my team at the bar and he called me over and reprimanded me for drinking with enlisted men…was a ltc and had that desease…
I was the lead clerk (S-1) Advisory Team #28, Tuy Hoa, Vietnam (2-67 to 11-68). We were saved by the 101st Airborne at TET 68′. I am a singer-songwriter. “The PATRIOT” about someone who saved my life at TET is at my website SingerRickCurtis.com. It was #1 on Internet and played worldwide by the USO. God bless all or you…Rick Curtis.
I commanded A Battery 6th Bn 32nd Artillery a composite 8inch/175mm artillery battery in Dong Tre during Tet68. The 175s could fire 32Ks and could just barely make it to Tuy Hoa. We fired every round we had along the perimeter fences to keep them out of the compounds. I only had 8inch ammo for about two weeks after that battle. The NVA who had attacked Tuy Hoa withdrew back by my unit and dumped most of the mortar rounds they had left on us and the SF A222 compound right next door. Not a very good week needless to say.
I took over the SF camp as SDA in 1969 when it was converted to District with RF/PF. Remember 8 inch/175 battery right behind us. Do not remember District Team number.
CAPT. C.P. “Chuck” Woodruff 68-69
I was stationed in Dong Tre from Nov 68 to Nov 69. I remember when the arty battery was there. I gave the dusters grids to fire their H&I every night, to make sure they didn’t hit one of our ambushes. Do you remember Lt Vivio? Charlie kept cutting our wd1 so I used a carbine grenade launcher to fire the wire from our wire down to your wire.
I think that Chuck, Larry and me have been chased each other around and are still doing it. Chuck was helping to convert Don Tre SF ca to RF/PF control about the same time I was doing that in Son Hoa. Then I moved to Dong Tre for a month as ADA, but then returned to Son Hoa to be the DSA. I still look as good as I did then.
Who is this Chuck you mentioned? Is that Vivio? I have pictures but don’t know how to post them.
Chuck Woodruff. His Aug 12, 2015 post is just above yours in which you mention you were in Dong Xuan, Nov ’68-Nov ’69.. Here is his post. “I took over the SF camp as SDA in 1969 when it was converted to District with RF/PF. Remember 8 inch/175 battery right behind us.”
I checked my Bronze Star, from that time, this morning and confirmed that I was in Son Hoa District from October 68 to February 69. There was no MACV team there at that time. I took a volunteer RT operator and flew into a SF Camp (maybe 223) near Son Hoa. The remaining SF team consisted of two 1LTs, a medic and a radio operator..  A quick trip to the District HQ compound revealed a partially completed team house, not safe enough for a team much less two, therefore we stayed at the SF Camp and I took over as DSA.  The purpose of the team was to transition the SF camp and area to a new SV Government District. Immediately behind the SF Camp was an 8-inch/175 battery which also had a couple of Dusters. I may be confusing Don Tre with Son Hoa, as they appear very much alike. I have attached a photo of myself and Martha Ray taken around Christmas 68. Sorry for the confusion, it has been many years since I have even considered talking about those days.
We got very little support from Province HQ and there was another young captain I met later (at Province meetings) in the same shape as my team. But we didn’t care (gung ho), though both of us hated the corruption we encountered at the District level. Just a funny note: This Captain and I were siting at the small bar at the beach compound when a mortar attach occurred (not followed by small arms fire). Everyone ran for their bunkers without a word to us. We climbed over the bar grabbed a bottle of our favorite libation and a radio and walked out and sat on top of the PSA bunker and enjoyed the evening.
Son Hoa team expanded to four in January 69 when joined by a new DSA (a Major, a every kind and generous man) and a young Lt for the DIOC program we implemented. Also a few good mercenaries.
Sorry about the confusion. Would like to know the eventual Team Number.Chuck
I was at MACV Team 28 from 7/69 to 6/70. The guy I replaced had served consecutive tours and spoke of how he owed his life to you arty guys during’68 TET. Can’t remember his name.
Does anyone remember Major Craven? How about Sgt. Dung?
I remember Sgt Dung, an extremely intelligent and engaging young man who was fluent in french, vetnamese, and english. I was at Tm 28 from May 28, 1968 until May 26, 1969. I also remember you, who, I believe, accidentally shot yourself. I ran in to your hooch and found you writhing in pai on the floor. My name is Lawrence Scott. I was initially a guard but within a week or so of my arrival. became detachment clerk. My e-mail address: murgott62@hotmail.com
Mr Scott , If I have a pic I can remember you , because that time I was an interpreter for team 28 , I work with Capt Botelho , Cpt Richard Weisemar, Maj Joseph Shine , Major Jack Harris , Maj Shirund Wodlun . Maj Harold Smith ….
Hello Uncle Long!
I’m Dai, I’m helping my dad (Nguyen Dao – mechanic at team 28) to find his friends who worked with him before. He came here to find his friends but he only reconized you. He hopes that you still keep in touch with all guys who he worked with before.
If you have any information, please connect me at my email: ntxdai@gmail.com
Thank you so much!
Xuan Dai
I remember Maj. Bill Craven very well…He stayed with me in the orientation hooch when he first got to Team 28…Great guy as I recall…was second in command to a Lt Col. who was ARVN Col Ba’s Military Advisor. (Col Ba was the Province Chief) (and a pompous ass)
Craven was a first class officer stayed with us in la hai dong xuan a few days..later I went as assistant district advisor to a district south of dong tre right next to another sf camp…a squad of seven were massacred on the way back from a op…don’t remember the commanding officers name but he was great…getting old…
Mr Patrick ! Dung is my friend , I just have his email address from other friend .
You can try to contact with him , may be get the right guy you’re looking for .
Dung email address is dodinhdzung@gmail.com
Thanks,
Dung and I made contact!
I was assigned to MAT II – 57 & was the replacement Medic for the Team when every body got wiped out on Hill 40 in October 1969. I stayed until October 1970. I was a SSG E-6, SFC Wooten was infantry & SSG Rhenn(might be spelled wrong) was special weapons, We spent 6 months in Tuy Hoa & 6 months in Song Cau bay which was pretty neat. We ate a lot of lobster. Capt. McDonald was our team leader & for the life of me, I can’t remember our Major’s name. He was the one who got me my Bronze Star.We had a good team & 1 Kill on our record. SFC Wooten got in a rice patty battle with a NVN Army squad & killed a North VN Army officer. We got a lot of intel. from that. If anybody knows how to get in touch with my team members, give them my e-mail.
Does Maj. Bill Cleary ring a bell…I knew him to be the Song Cau District Chief advisor.
No, The name doesn’t ring a bell. Thanks anyway
How about Maj. Donald M. Scher? I have a copy of an AAR dated 10 Sept., 1970, signed by him. Mentions SFC Johnson.
We use to send you guys Montayard crossbones and we got lobsters and those big shrimp….good trade.
Can’t comment on all teams but team 28 was at the Province level in Phu Yen Province. The MAT i was assigned to was at the District level. In my case Tuy Hoa District. I was assistant team leader then team leader of MAT II-10 later designated II-113 from March 1970 thru February 1971. The II signified II Corps or later the Second Military Region. My actual orders said i was assigned to MAT II-10, Team 28. The Team 28 compound was located in the town of Tuy Hoa. The Tuy Hoa District compound was located just outside the city across Highway 1. As I remember the District Advisory Team and 3 MATs were located there. For the most part we had limited contact with Team 28 even though we were located very close. I may have been to the Province compound 3 or 4 times during my tour, once when I arrived in country, once when I was presented my Bronze Star for valor and once as I was processing out. Our MAT mission was to train and carry out military operations with Regional Force Companies and Popular Force Platoons. These units were a step below the ARVN or Army of the Republic of Viet Nam troops. I’m sorry I can’t shed any light on the experiences of those assigned directly to Team 28 or any of the other District Teams and MATs under the umbrella of team 28. Just know that everyone that served over there deserve respect and gratitude and I thank all of your loved ones for their service. Not everyone who was killed in that war died over there and not everyone who came home ever fully left there. That war continues to produce casualties either through PTSD or effects of Agent Orange.
Hello Michael:
I served with you at the Team 28 “outpost”. My tour in 1970/71 overlapped yours. I was one of the team leaders working with a regional force company and a PF platoon. Our commanding officer was Major Jessie Denton. I have a picture of you placing our mortar to be useful inside a burm of sandbags.
Don Driftmier
I am looking through and old pocket notebook my dad kept. It looks like notes he would take daily on activities. Very interesting!!. Names like Phillips, Sievers, Reynolds, Becker, Lanka, Melvin, Mitchell, Bodkins, Penny, Wood, Chinnery, Banks are mentioned in his day to day and lists of what look like watch shifts. I am not sure if anyone can relate any of these names. Folded up in the notebook are intersting things. Everything from Viet Cong propaganda flyer to a tailors business card in Saigon. Also found a sheet in there with many names that shows each operators name, rank, job and their Radio Callsign Suffixes. many pictures too.
I was assigned to Tm 28 at the main (beach) compound from Jan 1970-Mar 1971. S/Sgt. Chinnery was the supply sergeant, remember him riding the supply chopper to the various districts. I was mail clerk for a time, took over from a guy named Melvin who left shortly after I arrived. Not sure it’s the same guy in your Dad’s notes. Anyway, used to give Sgt. Chinnery the mail bags for each district and he would bring back their outgoing mail. Also remember a guy named Terry Reynolds who worked as a clerk, I think, at the District Headquarters which was a little south of the compound.
I’m assuming Mr. Peek was in charge of the compound guards. The guy I remember doing that job during my time there was Sgt. Payne, he also woke you up when your night shift started. Some guys were assigned to the unit solely as guards and the lower enlisted personnel rotated thru pulling a shift at night every once in a while. Sometime during my time, the Air Force pulled out of Tuy Hoa airbase and Army air units moved into it from the adjacent Phu Hiep airfield. There was still a small detachment of Air Force personnel there who handled incoming/outgoing mail for the area and I went there to pick/drop off up Tm 28 mail.
Also remember personnel from 261st Signal, 125th ATC (air traffic control), FAC’s (forward air controllers), military intelligence and a couple Marines who coordinated navel gunfire missions.
I need to get my slides scanned and posted!
Jeremy, I knew your father…spent about 10 months with him (Aug. ’69 — May ’70) on MACV Team 28 (Beach Compound — Tuy Hoa). He was a great guy! Send me an email and we can start a dialogue..cotepaul44@gmail.com
I was assigned to MACV Tm 28 in July 1971 until March 1972. Prior to coming to MACV Tm 28, I was with MACV Tm 32 in Phan Thiet.
Hi Mr. Peek. What was your job on the team, if you not mind sharing? Thanks!
Mr. Rhodes, I was the Compound NCOIC for security for MACV Tm 28, went on patrols, delivered mail to the outlying hamlets by chopper, patrolled the streets between the MACV Compound and the Tuy Hoa Airbase with the QC (Vietnamese Military Police). Did many others things, but I have forgotten so much, if I had not received any commendations for being there and it being documented, I may not have remembered this much. I do have a picture of all who were assigned to Tm 28 had our picture taken in the little club on the compound. Remember some of the faces but not their names. I was 19 years old at that time.
THE CLUB WAS SMALL ,BUT IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN THE COMPOUND WAS IN PHU HEIP OUTSIDE OF THE AIR BASE ON THE BEACH. I WAS A POLICE ADVISER FOR CHIEF PHAP THE POLICE CHIEF OF TUY HOA CITY 69 -70
I was on MAT II-88, MACV TEAM 37 @ Ap Phu Long outside Phan Thiet. On April llth, we got surprised and all other team members were medavaced but none were KIA. Close call! Col. Robinson had told me at my quick talk with him in his office, “Don’t get yourself killed!”
Very short interview and I never saw him again.
Welcome home!
My late father was a Captain advisor on Team 28. This I am finding out posthumously. He always down-played his service in Vietnam and called himself a pencil pusher. From what I am finding in his storage unit and speaking with veterans he confided to, he did a lot more than he ever let on. I now believe he experienced so many terrifying things there that he had PTSD until the day he died and veteran friends confirm this. What a secret and condition he hid from us all these years!!! He definately was a no-nonsense 1000 yard starer kind of person, but had no idea. His name was Captain John J. Rhodes III.
Just very interested and want to put the puzzle together for my family history. I have pictures, medals (bronze star for some sort of ‘battle’), patches -one that is blue with red outline, a 2-8 with a white chalice in the middle. MACV on the rocker below (i.e. MACV Advisory Team 28) Anyone have any input here? I am also told this has to do with a Phoenix Project..? Any information is greatly appreciated.
Do you have any idea of the time frame he might have been there? I have a picture with Keith and 3 other men all holding the same plaque I believe in the camp. In addition, I have other pictures from the village with others in it. I also know that was something that happened during his time there because he to has a bronze star from that time. I will pull out the other items and see if we can match up some things. He was a Captain also. Don’t know anything about the Phoenix Project and am also just trying to put together some pieces.
Hi – Thanks for your reply! Interesting information. I have pictures and so does my brother, so I will have to get with him because I think the ones he has are with other U.S. men. The ones I have are with the ARVN he worked with. He was there form late 1969 through 1970. I have old patches, uniforms, a K-bar knife. My brother has the medal citation and has a pocket notebook he carried with interesting scratch on things that were going on. It seems like a working log with day-to-day tasks, leads, etc. It would be great to connect somehow to see your pictures and vice versa. Maybe email? I did find out that most MACV advisers operated alone and others did not ever know what others did or even if they were MACV operatives. However, the fact that they each got bronze stars during the same period means something big happened where they all had to come together and fight the enemy. I do believe he spoke briefly about a ‘scarey time’ when they were under attack, but again he down-played it like it ‘almost happened’ I do not think you get any battle citation for something that ‘almost happened’ Any veterans here that can chime in is greatly appreciated. If I am not correct on what I am saying I apologize in advanced and open to be corrected. Just trying to put pieces together like Susan here. One time in 2000 I was on liberty from USMC OCS. I was sitting and watching the news with my Dad in his D.C. home. Something came on talking about how there was actual US military involvement in Laos and they were just releasing it from top secret or something like that. He, in a swift emotionless statement, looked at me said “Ya, I have been to Laos a few times” Nothing more was said. He talked very little about his tour in Vietnam and I think it haunted him to the day he died.
I was stationed with Capt keith Quinny, in Vietnam on Adv. Tm.#28. I was a first LT. and Phoenix Advisor from August 1970 till July 1971. I was in Tuy Hoa till March, then was moved to Son Hoa and Dong Xuan. If I recall, Keith was a large man about my height 6′ 1″ or so. Was he a West Point grad?. A hell of a nice guy, friendly and fun loving but professional when needed. Those of us who were in the “Phoenix: program are limited in what we can talk about. Yes it is true that most of us did not know the extent of the other’s involvement. We were responsible for our own missions. Sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. I too became an Attorney after I completed my military service.
I did not know your relatives but was an S-2 advisor on Team 28…A great book to read is “Embassy House” which paints a pretty accurate picture of what the Phoenix Program was all about…The CIA involvement etc. God bless us all, it was an interesting time.
1st Lt. Howard (Lea) Boatwright-Tuy Hoa 8/68 to 8/69
Hi Lea,
I replied to one of your earlier posts last night. As I said in that post, I was the S-2 advisor for Team 28 from 10+/67 through 11+/67, which overlaps your stated tour dates. You state that you were the assistant S-2 advisor for Team 28. Just wondering why we never met. Were you assigned to a District before you became the assistant S-2? I had a section composed of a CPT (me), two LT’s, a MI Branch WO (that’s the rank he wore on his uniforms), two Aviation Bird-dog pilots, a NCO and a clerk. But I do not recall you. Were you MI Branch? I’m not questioning your integrity, just trying to refresh my memory.
Knew you probably stayed at compound a dozen times…Knew craven and ltc bagget…ba was a tyrant very corrupt in my opinion…Sgt who ran bar was there for years had a good gig…
Hi Lea,
In my March 17, 2014 reply to one of your posts in which you stated that you were an assistant S-2 advisor from 8/68 to 8/69, I misstated the dates that I served as the S-2 advisor for Phu Yen Province. I should have said from late November 1967 to late October 1968. In my earlier reply, I said that I did not remember you.
Are you the Warrant Officer who served with me? Who are some Province HQ people you Recall? Maj Hickerson? Lt Mantino? SFC Rodriguez?
You may recall that the Province S-2 was CPT Li. I returned to VN in November 1971 (as a Major) and was assigned as S-2 Advisor in Binh Dinh Province, where CPT Li was the Assistant Province S-2.
If you have read Neil Sheehan’s book “Bright Shining Lie,” you will know that my Binh Dinh tour with Team 42 was somewhat more interesting than Phu Yen (except for Tet ’68). In Binh Dinh Province in April ’72, things were turning to s–t. After April, it just got worse for advisors. In II Corps, the only backup for Province forces were ARVN (Olympic-Class sprinters) and occasionally, the US Air Force. When I rotated out of the Province in October ’72, 3/4 of the Province was under NVA/Viet Cong control.
Gary Hacker
Jeremy, I was a 1st. Lt., Army Corps of Engineers, stationed at Tuy Hoa Advisory Team 28 from July ’69 to June ’70, where I got to know your father quite well. I was and still am quite liberal in my political orientation, and he was, as I’m sure you know, quite conservative. We often had heated political discussions that always ended with a joke or a laugh. Jay, as we called him, was involved in the Phoenix Program which had something to do with identifying Viet Cong sympathizers or spies. He never talked much about it, but I can only imagine that it did have its traumatic moments. I remember that he worked very hard, long hours. He was a trooper!
On a lighter note, Jay was a very competitive volley ball player! As was our practice at the Team 28 Advisory Compound, after chow each evening we would play jungle rules volley ball on a sandy space I was responsible for maintaining. That gets me to what I did in the war. In addition to being appointed pay officer for the Team and also being appointed special services officer (responsible for entertainment), I was the lone MACV engineer officer in Phu Yen Province. As such, my primary role was to assist the Vietnamese Province Engineer (a civilian) in the maintenance of roads and bridges and in the construction of small buildings. All of this amounted to making sure he properly used the money, equipment and material I provided. That was a challenge! I also visited the Team’s six District Advisory Teams, usually by helicopter, to assist in any projects in which my brief Army engineer training could add some value. Since these tasks did not occupy all of my time, Col. Sievers, the Team’s Sr. Military Advisor, ordered me to completely rebuild the compound’s defensive perimeter using Team members, your father included, on weekends, and during the week with Vietnamese laborers. I was a very unpopular guy for about six months.
I was a very fortunate person during my entire tour of duty with Team 28. I must admit that I never heard a shot fired in anger, never saw any horrific things happen to anyone, and was never in a situation in which I felt as if my life was in danger. I returned unscathed to reunite with my wife, start my sales and marketing career and raise four children. Jay and I remained in touch throughout the years by exchanging Christmas cards. It was interesting to follow his political and lobbying career. He was very proud of his growing family, and as I recall, I saw one or more family photos with you and your brother in your Marine uniforms. My wife, Susan and I saw Jay and his wife at her family beach home in RI not long before their divorce. It was such a good time, and I felt like we hadn’t lost a beat from those vigorous debates we had in Tuy Hoa!
We continued to stay in touch, until I heard from Jane that he had sadly passed away. Last year on a trip to DC, I met with her, and gave her a few photos of Jay that I had in my album. We talked quite a while. Your dad was a remarkable person. So smart and talented. I wish we could have spent more time together.
My wife and I will retire later this year to Sarasota, FL where, among other things, I want to do VA volunteer work.
Best regards,
Paul Cote
01/05/14
As xo of a district advisory team I also worked with the Phoenix program…Wikipedia as good info…it was a via program..the via had a small compound in the downtown area…a very bad program…what years?
CIA
Jeremy, see my comments about your father on this site dated July 26, 2014. I have not seen a reply from you. I’m retired now and doing some VA volunteer work in the Sarasota FL area. You can reach me on my email: cotepaul44@gmail.com. Paul
My late husband, G. Keith Quinney, was with Team 28 in Tuy Hoa 9-1970 to 8-1971. Trying to connect who was there with him or can speak of the time there
Me too, see above. Have you gotten any info yet??
Susan, I was with Keith for a few months in 1971. I was the Intelligence Advisor to one of the Districts in Phu Yen. He was a super troop, a real straight-shooter! i was in Phu Yen from Apr 1971 to Apr 1972.
thank you for responding. I don’t know if you are willing to have a conversation but if it was possible, I would like to. I would like his sons to understand or at least know that part of their father. By the time they were born, he was an attorney and had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis with different challenges. I do have a picture of maybe 4-5 men that may be the same one that someone else referred to on the receipt of an accommodation that looks like it may be in the village he was in or post during that same time frame. Maybe you are in it. I am just trying to put the pieces together. He would only talk in generalities but I am sure as the years wore on he would have shared more. it was not a great time for anyone and it is understandable why those experiences stay in the back of your mind if you are lucky and not in the front. Let me know.
Sure, no problem. Sorry, I just saw your reply. I got to Team 28 about mid May 1971 and was assigned to the Son Hoa District Team about a week later. Keith was in charge of the Team that included a Medic, a Special Forces E-7 and myself (very young Intelligence advisor!). Only about a month later an Infantry Major showed up to take over the team and Keith was re-assigned elsewhere in the Province. His VietNamese was very good and he was really excellent with the VN District Chief and soldiers in the little compound where we were stationed. You can reach me at rwayne432@gmail.com anytime.
Susan,
I served Keith at team 28 from 1970 to 71. Please contact me at pdeely2910@hotmail.
Regard’s
Phil Deely,
I was an Advisor with the 47 th ARVN, Feb 69 to Jul 69.
I was with 261 st signal but, always attached to team 28 while in Vietnam. Was there from 9-1967 to 12-1967 and 9-1968 to 9-1969.
Hello Sgt Hardesty,
This is sgt Dung, yes I am one of the the ARVN interpreters assigned to Tuy Hoa in Phu Yen province. I operated from the main compound hq but was always TDY to all the outlying districts and the 2 former sf camps in Đồng Tre and in Củng Sơn. I also rode along a few times as convoy escort to Sơn Hoà district where we also resupply the U.S. artillery base next door, perilous trips where we always lost at least one vehicle or more to mines,ambushes or accident along that road.
District of Hiếu Xương (South of Tuy Hoa and the bridge) where the AF base is located, went on many operations in the mountain regions west of there, patrol the highway 1 along the oil pipeline from Vung Ro bay to the airbases of Tuy Hoa and Phu Hiệp.
Had to protect a small bridge along the highway, had 2 dusters giving us fire power on each side of the waterway, they did HI fire at night into the mountains, and we repelled a small probing attack by the enemy in late 68.
District of Tuy An ( situated right along the coast line along highway 1) where we were still ambushed by the VC (no loss) and many operations far inland along that small river that run to the ocean there.
District of Sông Cầu ( south of the Binh Dinh province line) with its long coastline full of coconut trees, done at least 3 operations with RF companies for many days.
District of Đồng Xuân (near by with the Đồng Tre ex SF camp and the LaHai railroad bridge) I was there when the campound was destroyed and rebuild new next to the helipad.
We were still getting sniped randomly from the high ridges surrounding the district hq.
I was also there with a squadron of M113 of the 173 airborne in that area near Dong Tre, getting training for the small VN armored platoon from Tuy Hoa on how to use the M113.
Also made a few mad runs from Dong Xuân district HQ down to Tuy Hoa with just a jeep, one time getting back from Tuy Hoa AF base where we liberated or traded stuff for a 10 kw generator in the trailer, trying to cross a swollen stream, our trailer floated sideway and stalled our jeep in the water, had to call help to the ROK armor unit since they are the only ones we can raised on the radio, they came late that evening with M113 and towed us back to their camp,
I was with 2 sgts (e6 & e7).
Also flew many times with a major and a captain AF fac pilots out from the steel plate runway just outside Tuy Hoa, went to the air strips of Cund Son SF camp and also air strip of Dong Tre SF camp to refuel, rearm with rockets, love those missions on that O1 bird dog, came to the states later and had to get my private pilot license because of those flights.
Too many spy ops missions on Huey copters too.
I personally thank all those advisers who went out making our PF and our RF stronger and better, we always went out in very small teams, sometimes just an officer and a radio unlisted with a compny or a platoon on operation, ambushes.
The MACV compound was hit after the Tet offensive in late June? They never got thru the inner wire but a few of VC were cornered inside one of the out layer bunker where they were flushed out and killed by M79 rounds fired by an American adviser, that bunker was right along the sand dune along the beach.
It was true, I still speak fluently French, never had to be trained in English by the VN army since I was good enough for them.
Love to see your photos of those days, and please remind me where I might have serve alongside with you, since I travel so many places, it is hard to remember all the names 40+ years ago.
Thank you again and may GOD blesses you where ever you are today, you and your family.
Sgt Do Dinh Dung ARVN
I was assistant district advisor in dong xuan and later cung son. 68 69. Was there in dong xuan when the compound was blown up. made that trip from LA hai to try how a number of times… Was there with 173rd ops. Also when Koreans came worked with them. The trip from La Hai to dong the was called ambush alley and while I was there over 40 Vietnamese were killed and 8 Americans along that small road… a few yrs prior a major battle took place there with 101st and 1st cav. Landing zone eagle…SLA marshal wrote about it in a book.
We picked up a generator also from airbase but it must have been a different time as we were only ambushed going in. Where you there in cun song when the squad of pfs where massacred after capturing 3 vc? Also what was the name of my interpreter at dong xuan? Great guy..by the way ran into a chef at restaurant who was a spy for nva at dong tre.. actually was sent there in 69 from Hanoi.. in London. Just happened to mention it at a upscale Vietnamese restaurant.. The guy was so depressed about the war etc. He was there from 69 till they came through in 75. The stories he had from the enemies perspective was interesting. By the way I had a great fondness for the Vietnamese people and had many friends that I was invited to their very small hoouches to eat.. They put everything they had out.. Very impressive as they had so little. Many were killed in LA hai over that period… The vc commander was very smart and vicious.. The minds killed so many Vietnamese on that road. Who did you interpret for exactly…
Sgt. Dung,
I can hardly believe you are still alive. We used to talk a lot and I remember you well. After 1975 I have thought about you many times. I always wondered what happened to you. I remember the hate you had about the Viet Cong and NVA. I am so glad you somehow made it out and not being killed. I have about 100 pictures from my time in Viet Nam and will share them with you. I thought I sent you a direct email but, you responded on the web site. My email is pthardesty@sbcglobal.net. God bless you and your family. Tell me where you are? I’m in California in the city of Roseville Pat Hardesty
Sgt Dung, I was in Dong Tre from Nov 68 to Nov 69. Where do you live now? I have some pictures from there, but don’t know how to send them.
I was assisted district advisor in La Hai Dong Xuan when the compound team house was destroyed the convoy you were on with the 15 kW generator was my convoy .. We split it with dong tre and as you know just traded some weapons& crossbows & Vc flags etc for Air Force goodies… Was there when the Koreans moved in…can’t remember the name of our interpreter but was a stand up guy and smiled a lot… Sgt Huc was my friend Kia … Was there 9 months and 2 months in Cung son… Ran across a former nva spy in London who was rt next to Dong Tre for 8 years… He was a chef and owner of a great Vietnamese restaurant .. Stayed up all night drinking with the director of chariots of Fire Hugh Hudson.. It was surreal …let me know more about your time in dong xuan .. We built the first team house and hadn’t moved in when the satchel charges destroyed it .. Beautifull place but deadly hope to hear from you …sfrank_brown@yahoo.com
Sgt Dung, My name is Dennis Monroe. I was a team leader from Jan 70 through July 70 I worked a great deal with Cpt Phu (spelling) in the Tuy Hoa area, been so long ago I do not remember my interpteters name.
Any help there?
Good morning to you sir,
After Ewing wounded in later 70, I recovered and got discharged in the Saigon area, I lost track of all these people since on the medevac chopper out I only had my uniform on. All personal belongings were list, thrown away ( not much anyway, and back then there were no address book to keep in touch with former friends, brothers in arms)
I thought I was going back there after healing but never got to see most them again.
I am living now in Annapolis MD since the fall of VN, do stop by anytime you are in the DC, northern VA or MD area. Our home is always open for all the Tuy Hoa / Phu Yen province veterans, and I mean it!
You can also reach me : dodinhdzung@gmail.com
Please take care and be safe,
Dung Do
Mr. Bill Paige, so sorry to hear about your dad. If you are also in the D.C. Area please contact me at dodinhdzung@gmail.com I shall be honored to talk with you about your dad.
Cap Monroe
Do you remeber sgt Chung Tran interpreter ? He work with team II 10 that time and Captain Phu was commander . and you remember the battle on May 23rd 1970 at Tuy Hoa area ? My brother Chung Tran got an Army commendation medal with V at that time ! I remember Lt Ledyard with our team also !
hi this is raymond bartlett i remimber you i was with team 28 from 6/68 7/69 detach from 261sig. along with pat hardest
Top of the morning to you Raymond, am blessed that people still care to remember me!
Honored to served alongside with all of you! I appreciated and still admired your sacrifice and service better since I was able to come to the U.S. and recently had a son with the 5th group deployed multiple times overseas (middle east)!
Got a medical discharge due to wounds in 1971, came here after the fall of VN, settled in Annapolis MD and still wearing a uniform today but serving our community as a policeman.
Hope that GOD keeps you and your family in HIS blessings, do stay in contact in the future.
My email : dodinhdzung@gmail.com
Write to you more in the future.
Dung Do
hi sgt dung my name is raymond bartlett i remimber you from team 28 i was there from the 8 68/7 69
Letters that my father (Watson McFarland, USAF) wrote to family from Tuy Hoa 1969-70 have begun making their way to me. He and Mother destroyed the letters they wrote to each other when he returned home in 1970. I would love to know more about Dad’s time on the base. He often mentions that he and a group of Christian soldiers were helping a build a church. Is there a way to learn more about that, whether that church still exists, etc? My email address is handsofhope11@gmail.com