MACV Team 38 – Bao Loc.
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 38 located in Bao Loc.
MACV Teams
Military Assistance Command Teams Vietnam
MACV Team 38 – Bao Loc.
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 38 located in Bao Loc.
MACV Teams 
How large was the base at Bao Loc? I was there for a couple of weeks with the 243rd ASHC in December 1967, but didn’t get to see much.
Dennis, I don’t remember it looking like the current picture on this site . I remember it being about 6 to 8 houses. The first house coming in the gate on the right was the officer’s quarters. connected to a building that had the Radio room and 2 or 3 rooms .1 for the RTO then the Navy Dock not sure but I think that was Sgt Hamby’s room. Going down still on the right was the mess room and bar it also had some bunk rooms. at the end of the driveway on the right was another building that had bunks and rooms. Behind them was another long building that I think had about 4 rooms. There was another small building that was the shower room. And up from that was another house with some rooms and bunk beds in the halls . We had a large field outside the gate where the helicopters would land and take off I think there was enough room for 3. If you left the compound and went towards town there was an airfield and one of the big US units had as a base camp. That’s where you could get all-new Clothes to wear. It was a pretty active area.
I remember 2 times coming up on Tet we had motors come in on us at night thankfully they didn’t do any big damage.
Hope all this helps were you part of the helicopters guys?
drank there a few times 1/44/23rd arvn
My Father SFC or SSG Lindsay Cannon was there 70-71, not 100 % sure of his rank at that time….I was only 10.
was there 67-68
I served as a FO 5/27 ARTY IFFV. From January through April early May. I was with the Di Linh MACV Team constantly out with the 53rd ARVNS in the field. Myself and my RTO were not MACV but were attached.
Goodmorning Bus I was in Bao Loc. 1967 as the RTO and security I remember making one trio to Di Linh, not a good seen not sure if I can help ? What do you need
I still have certificate on my wall with all signatures of ADVTM 38 guys including Vietnamese. From 65-66..
Hey guys.If any of you can remember Bao Loc, 1965-66. I was with Air Force FAC team radio ground/ recon operator. Joe Gallo
Also every photo that I have of my grandfather shows him wearing a black Beret instead of a normal army helmet or green hat I thought that was different as well I don’t know what that has to do meaning wise if that helps…
Are the photos in black and white? If so, the Regional Forces blue beret would appear black. Just a thought.
Hey guys…my grandfather was a mac v 38 team member..he passed away..while back but I have a shadow box with all his medals and patches and one of his patches says macv team 38 and I Googled it and saw this website and I was wondering if any of you guys ever heard of him before. He was sgt. Joseph d zaccheo….italian fellow from new york…soumd familiar..if so let me no..thanks
Do you have a time line? It would be on his DD214
Ok this is what i found out…he was in vietnam from 66-67…came back for a second tour 68-69…he was actually in infintry..and was a team leader…his nickname was sgt.corn …cuz he had hairy arms and they made fun of him…and from wat my family tells me what he was known over there..for was he caught a spy in the camps…they executed the spy..and the vietnames army dragged his body thru the local town as an example.at that point the vietcong put a 20,000 dollar bounty on my grandfathers head…i no sounds far fetched but i have all his medals..and patches here..i would love to post a pic of them but i cant..unless u can email me..thanks for listening.
I also noticed another patch he has kinda a red and gold shield with a sword pointing upwards..heres my email if ya email me i can send ya photos i have j_zaccheo@yahoo.com..thanks jim
Joe the patch with the gold sword is the only one I recognize. As for all the other medals, he sure looks like a well-decorated soldier. If you request a copy of his DD 214 it will show you what they were for and when. It is well worth the time it takes to get it. You can also request a copy of his military records that will be very helpful. I believe you can do all this online. One thing is his Military ID # I think in his case it will start with RA and 8 # after. Lots of luck
My first post to this site was in December 2015. I was stationed with Team 38 Bao Loc from May ’67 to Sept. ’68. I was in the Signal Detachment (43d Signal) providing teletype (72B20) communications. Don’t recall many names other than Kerchenko, Davis, Smith and House. Have made contact with Gary Davis(Kansas) but no luck with others. Would like to hear from any that might remember or know what may have happened to anyone from the Signal Detachment. Glad to see the site is still active.
I was the chief radio operator with MACVteam 38 Boc loc. Was there from Jan 67 to Jan 68.
Hay Woody do you remember doing that recon with the team and repelling down that cliff ?
William Ronald Sanders here. I was stationed with Team 38 Bao Loc from Nov ’67 to Nov ’68. I was an intelligence advisor and worked with the ARVN.
I was the radio operator for team 38 from March 68-March 69. We were located in Di Lihn, Lam Dong province. He might have taken my place after I left.
I showed up in Di Linh in March of 69 with 2 signal vans. Draftee out of Philadelphia. There was a group that left shortly after i got there. What a crazy trip for 91/2 months. I remember the radio man that probably replaced you.
Some time in mid-late 1968 a convoy on the way from CRB to Bao Loc had a disabled truck. They towed it into Di Lihn and put it in your compound. A day or so later I drove the wrecker to Di Lihn to hook it up and take it to our shop in Bao Loc. We were escorted there and back by the E Troop 17th Cav gun jeeps. I have some pictures of QL20 as we drove there and back.
I was in the 17th Cav at that time and remember well Bao Loc and Di Linh. We secured the FSB at Di Lihn nights when we got back from a mission. I recall an attempt by VC to overrun the FSB on the hill overlooking Di Linh, next to the cemetery. We piled 49 dead VC in the center of town afterwards. Welcome home!
I was there in the MacV compound the night the VC tried to over run the fire base. I was the RTO.
That would be such a small world if he did take your place. My sister has a bunch of photos he took while he was over there. He’s been gone for 20 years, but, I do remember him telling us about the Montagnards(sp).
This is James Jackson and this is an open reply, I was assigned to Team 38 in Sept.1970 and started out in the S-3 Shop. And then became the DSA for Ba Sar. I had maintained contact with Clyde Walker and we had been good friends until his passing son to be 2 years ago. I retired from the Army with 22.5 years, And started a new career in Real Estate. Became a Real Estate Broker and retired a second time after 30 years, we live live about 16 minutes north of Fort Benning, GA. I have a few pitchers but a lot of memories, WOULD ENJOY HEARINING FROM THOSE THAT SERVED IN TEAM 38.
James Jackson
Cell Phone: 706-464-1498 (phone, text)
email: j.Jack37@icloud.com
This is Larry Tillman, in 1971 I was assigned to Matt Team 19 in Ba Sar as team leader. We had a DSA by the name of Capt. Jackson. I remember spending all my time with the Montegards, either in their villages or on search and destroy operations in the mountains. I believe we shared a few memories. Left country as Captain Tillman, finished last few months as team leader in Ba Loc team 38. Larry Tillman601-850-9583 larrytillman07@yahoo.com
I was the RTO with Team 38 at Di Linh from 68-69. I was there when Di Linh was attacked by a battalion of VC. We killed 43 that night. The 173rd Airborne artillery was called in a few days earlier because intelligence had said the VC were planning an attack. If it wasn’t for them, probably wouldn’t be here today.
I’m hoping that someone one here would be able to help me with some information regarding my late father’s experience in Vietnam. I was wondering if any of you knew my father Sgt John A Johnston of Buffalo, NY who served with US Army MAC-V team 38 special forces as a radio operator at some point around March 1969-70? I have photos of him that I can share. Thank you in advance for any information that you might be able to give me.
Sorry I cannot help you. I was there 68/69. one question, was he attached to team 38 or the special forces camp at Tan Rai
Thank you for your response. He was a radio operator for Team 38. There’s probably a more technical term for that job.
My late father was a SSG assigned to MACV team 38 from 1969-1970, so maybe they knew each other. From what I can determine, my father was involved in tactical communications during his missions, so he might have been in contact with radio operators in Bao Loc at that time. I have some photos of that time as well.
My sister has a bunch my dad took over there. Would be crazy if our dads knew each other!
Erin, not sure if we are talking about the same Sgt Johnson .he may have replaced me in March of 68 if you can send me his picture I will send you a picture of Sgt Johnson that I have. email jim@parsinc.com
Yes, I have some photos as well with my father and some fellow soldiers, but I do not know who they are. So if you are interested please email me at drdbdev@gmail.com and I can share what I have.
I was at the FSA, Task Force Tomblinson, which was just off the runway. I was in charge of supply and drive a rough terrain forklift all day long, unloading and loading stuff for the 173rd and others in the area. Was there from May 68 to December 68. We were originally living with a ARVN Engineer Company on the road to the city, then moved to the airfield. I spent a lot of time getting rides back to Cam Ranh Depot to scrounge stuff we couldn’t get. The AF guys from 38 who ran the airfield were always good to me. I spent a couple of long nights at the bar in the MACV compound in town. Hope you are all safe and well. Went back in 2007, the airfield was still there and the shack in the middle of the rice paddy just off the runway was still in the same place. Crazy……
Hi Gene.
I was at the FSA with you in May 1968 through April 1969. We rode in a C-130 from CRB with a stop off at Phan Thiet to drop off a forklift like the one you used in Bao Loc.
I recall getting a hot bath at MAC-V Saturdays until we got our own.
I have not had a chance to email you for more than 10 tears. We used to live in the Chicago area but moved to the Louisville, KY area in 2010. I fondly recall seeing Spamalot in Chicago and wanted to thank you for the tickets and backstage visit.
I have been running an aerial distillery tour with our Cessna 172 until this year.
email – terry.welshans@gmail.com
Hi Gene. I just sent you an email.
Hi Gene,
I was an Air Force mechanic at the airstrip from 6/68 to 2/69. I must have known you. The airstrip guys that worked with you were a Sgt. McNeil, who left around July 69 and Sgt. Marshall who replaced him. I have a photo of Marshall if you have an email address. Did you drink Brandy Alexanders by any chance?
HI Tom,
We must have met up. My email is geneodonovan@mac.com. I left in December of 68 so I wouldn’t have known Sgt. Marshall. But McNeil certainly rings a bell. I will send you a pic of me in the FSA early on in my stay there. Nice to connect.
At that time of my life I was a scotch drinker and I would trade barded wire with you guys for a bottle of Chevis Regal.
Hello Gene
My name is Gary Pequet. I was Mac’s partner. I think you replaced me when I left. Everything happened really fast when I went back to Cam Rahn. My email address is; Gary Pequet at gpequet1@juno,com
Glad to hear from and about you.
Gary
Gary,
Your email address won’t work, can you check and resend?
Mr. ODonovan, hi. I’m doing research on my dads plane which went down on the approach to Bao Loc airfield in September 1967. He was aboard a C-123 Provider with the Ranch Hands USAF. Is there any way you can describe to me where the air strip is in relation to the town of Bao Loc? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Jon Boatwright
jmtheboat@yahoo.com
Hi Jon. I was there with Gene and I am sure he will be along shortly. The airstrip is north of town. it is about where Chu Van Am street is located.
Hi Jan, I have the longitude and latitude of the airfield as well as the name of someone else who’s dad was on the aircraft. I’m not by my computer but I’ll send it to you later this evening. I hope that helps.
Gene
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Mr. O’Donovan, I appreciate it. I hope all is well with you.
Thank you, Mr. Welshans. I appreciate your reply.
Jon,
I have the location of the “new” and “old” field. I was there is 68 and went back in 2006. It is still here and a piece of flat land. Here are the coordinates of both: 11.560685/107869886 and 11.594679/106417314. I am going to check these out on Google Earth.
Your Dad was a hero.
All The Best,
Gene O’Donovan
Hi Jon, I looked up the plane on which you lost your father, USAF Technical Sergeant Jacklin M. Boatwright. I was somewhat confused, because I took 8mm film of C-130 62-1785 which crashed at Bao Loc on September 06, 1968. These were separate incidents, I learned. The manifest listed five Americans: Major Eugene W HartmanCapt David H RisherCapt Leonard SelanikioTSGT Ralph J LundSGT Jesus Ochoa Sorry for your loss. Your dad would have been proud of you.
Jon I am Jim Christiano and I was on the ground at the time that C130 when into the mountain. I recall they were called in because a L19 was shot down with Capt Reed and a CIA person. They were following up on reports that major VC were heading towards us. I am pretty sure that is how it all happens. I went out with a search party with Mgr Muchelli and sgt Hamby the next day. I also remember that our RTO fell repelling down a cliff. I then took over as the RTO at Team 38 compound.
Mr. O’Donovan, I can’t thank you enough for your response. I greatly appreciate it. The coordinates you sent are coming up wrong. Could you tell me in what direction the airfield was From Bao Loc and approximately how far? I’m trying to establish an approximate flight path. I’m not seeing anything on Google earth that is distinct enough. Thank you.
Jon,
I took them off a list I had of military airfields,. Let me look for the list again and I will send you the link.
I am having trouble remembering the orientation of the airfield. I will keep going on this until we figure it out.
Gene
Jon send me an email so we don’t take over this website.
jmtheboat@yahoo.com
Hi gene I was with task force tomblinson when we camped with 173rd before we built camp next to airfield I left nov 69 my name sgt tom clay
Hi Tom,
Good to hear from you. What part of the FSA did you work in?
Gene
geneodonovan@mac.com
When I first got there we were handling graves regestration and laundry and bath we went and picked up the bodies of the guys who crashed the C130 there
Frank,
Got any pictures to share. My email is geneodonovan@mac.com
E troop 17th Cav 173rd ABN BDE here. We stayed at the camp for Task Force Tomlinson for a long while. Were you there when the VC sappers killed three troopers at the main gate to the 3rd Bat camp? Two of my good friends got fragged about a week after I left June 68. Nobody seems to know what happened, or they’re not saying. Charles Brasier and Theodore pappy Mendez
That was in January 1969 I believe. I was there along with Gene from June 1968 until he departed and I stayed on until late May, 1968. Yes, we were glad to see the Troop stop in between convoy details. I operated the wrecker to recover a broke down truck and the Troop escorted us to DiLin and back. The night the sappers blew up that entrance bunker was a full-on attack. They actually over-ran the camp throwing hand made grenades as they crossed through the camp. I have several photos of the damage caused by what I suspect were mortar rounds. One hit the large maintenance tent blowing a three foot hole in the floor. Several vehicles were totaled as well. Our small group ran to our defensive bunkers and spent most of the night waiting until it was clear. There was an aircraft overhead for two or three hours dropping flares while an AC-47 circled firing down where needed. I can send you some pictures of the aftermath if you shoot me an email. Send it to terry,welshans@gmail.com and I will get back to you.
I meant stayed until May, 1969.
That was after my time. I arrived from Cam Ranh in late May of 1968 and left Bao Loc in mid December. I drove the rough terrain fork lift and took care of the small supply depot (connex row) right across from where your tent was. You were a great addition to the FSB. Do you remember when that Vietnamese kid got shot in front of your tent playing cowboy with one of your guys? You had a Sgt. who was an instant NCO, nice guy and a lot of other great guys too.
AMAZING! That instant NCO (shake-n-bake) was me, the only one in our platoon! We must have met.
I hate typing, but would like to talk! Feel free to call 515 six six 9 six158. Digiterrry at netscape dot net
Thanks for responding!
Blessings, Terry
Please email or call me:
Digiterrry@netscape.net. (Yes, 3 “R”s)
515 669 6158
Actually, would like to hear from ANYONE who was there. Pictures greatly appreciated!!
What is going on now is something that we, at that time, never imagined would happen—- We’re Dying!
Blessings to all, and a sincere “Thank you for your service!”
Terry
I was on team 38 from Aug 68 until July 69. I was the supply , mess , property book officer among other things. Looking for fellow friends Alfred Bamen, (NYC) Earl Henn ( ohio) Larry Lee ( san diego). Love to hear from others also.
Gary just checking in on the site and saw this I was there from March of 67 to Feb 68.
Hi Gary, just saw your post. I was a Crew Chief on the Bird Dogs from July 68 to Feb 69. I must have crossed paths with you…The mess was the best of any I ever saw while in the service.. Girls would serve the food at the table and the drink mix was always cold and delicious. The girls would even carry the steaks to the table from the barbecue pit on Saturday nights..Hope you’re well, Tom.
great hearing from you. Glad you enjoy your steaks. I had a buddy in Saigon that would give me cases of steak and lobster every month when i went there. We did eat well.
Tom, did you every keep up with any of the pilots who were there when we were? They were good guys but i do not remember names. They would take me up with them at times. got sick the first time .
I remember an Army Pilot with the last name off Jackson, I went out with him a few times,
one trip we drew fire, Jacks on did a power bank lowered the nose and fired a few rockets. He made another bank but was not fired on again and didn’t see any targets so they had managed yo hide them self’s. (706-464-1498, j.Jack37@icloud.com
I was part of MILPHAP 4 assigned to Bao Loc mid 1967 until 1968. While there I was assigned to DiLinh as a Assistant and help to the MACV group which consisted of one Army Major, a LT. and a sp4. Small group but got along well. Also helped in the orphanage under Sr. Mary Paul. At the hospital I worked with a Dutch physician whose first name was Hans. I do not remember his last name. . In some of the photos I have seen I recognize the blue international vehicle. I received that in 1967 and was used by me and this physician. If anyone remembers this physician I would love to know what happened to him and his last name. He taught me how to make and read malaria slides and tb slides. Also used to wash our o.r. sheets and hung them to dry in the sun. All of this came in handy during my years as a physician assistant. Thank you for letting me ramble on. I truly miss my naval stay there and the people I knew.
Hey, Henry.
Hope you’re well. My father, Tom Gilmartin, was in Di Linh at the very same time. I have about 200 photos he took in Di Linh which I can share in digital form. I also went back to Di Linh in 2017 and met some of the Montagnard men and orphans he knew there in ’67-’68.
He was MILPHAP 4. I believe the Major’s name was Major Jones (I have a photo of him). Also, my father remembered Mike Ryan and Dr. Steven Boris. The Dutch Doctor you were asking about was named Hans Heinekemp. My father also mentioned a Father Grisom. And he remembered good meals at Pierre’s (the Frenchman who owned the restaurant).
My father’s email: tgilmartin1@frontier.com
Hope you’re well. And I hope we can connect you two together.
Tom Gilmartin (the son)
Tom:
I would love to hear about your experiences. And the photos would be incredible to see.
Neil Olsen, MACV Adv 38, 1967-8
olseneil (at) icloud.com
Hey, Neil. Hope you’re well. I’m gathering some emails of men who served in Di Linh at the same time as my father. He’s interested in connecting and I can set up an email group. Also, I have about 200 photos digitized from his time there in “68-“69. And I just found a new batch I will scan. Maybe you’re in some of them. I also have photos and videos of my time in Di Linh in 2017. Send me an email if you’d like to connect. tggilmartin@gmail.com
Henry Nier:
I do remember you. Good to see that you are alive and kicking. I am finally compiling and writing up my Vietnam materials for publication. The Dutch doctor is J. J. Heynekamp, whom I have recently been in contact with, He’s now in New Mexico. I’m putting together my own experiences in Nam, and (hopefully) a history of MACV Advisory Team 38. Lots of material here. Got to do it before we go to the great field in the sky…
Keep in contact, please.
Neil Olsen
Good morning Neil. I remember the name and happy to hear about you. For years I searched the listings from my legionnaire magazine for any news from my past. My problem was I was assigned to DiLinh so early in my deployment that I really get to know the other team members. But I am happy to hear from you. A little background….after I left I ended up in Oakland naval hospital with hepatitis A from bad food in a village . Went to school for radiologic tech and then for Physician Assistant and worked internal medicine for 35 years. Retired in1980 and currently live in North Carolina. I would love to hear about what you have done since 1968 and where you are now in your life. I would love to stay in contact. Do you keep in touchwith anyone else from our team?.
Hi. Would You happen to remember a C-123 Provider that crashed September 4,1967 about 19 miles out over the mountain on approach from Bien Hoa in a terrible storm? 8 USAF Ranch Hands And 3 US Army Combat Controllers were aboard. None survived. My dad was one of them. Thank you.
Jon Boatwright
Sorry for your loss, but I do not recall that. I was in a smaller town and didn’t receive a lot of news about things happening in Bao Pic.
I was looking at some YouTube videos of Bao Loc and it triggered a memory of an Army Sergeant named Cole. He hung out and partied with us most nights, when he wasn’t staging ambushes out by the waterfall. He could be pretty loud.
Were you a lieutenant?
I Am Richard S. Little , ended up Being NCOIC , RC1A Radio Telephone Trains Receive Bao Loc 1965 -1966 Had 5 man team .Vidus Mongirdus , S gt..McDowel , Jack Bussa ..Lary Buckstone , And My self . Sgt. Mac . Broke His Leg . During Monson Slipped off Tail Gate Of The Dose and Half . We Had his Replacement .. Who Turned Out Prity Good We Removed The RAdio Gear Out of the Rig and put it all in one of the larger Rooms In the Building We Occupied At the Residence of the Agracultural Collage West of Bao Loc . the Anmrc 69 Radio Tran.Tec 7, 69 TRans .oh and the Angry 50 3 teleatypes Facsemely , and Crypto Bank Etc Etc ..I have *8 MM Film Of the AG compound And Bao Loc International Air Port. ..We had 4 L19 3 C123 They were Riged To Spray Agent Orange .The Aussy .Flew the twen Engene Karabo Air Trans port . The 2 other C123 Woul was it.. Untill I Was Finally relieved in DEC.12 1967…
Hi Rich. I remember you my friend. We spent that time in Bao Loc. In was there from Dec. 65 to end of Nov. 66.
If you remember, I was Air Force ground radio and airborne operator. My team was the FACs assigned to Bao Loc area.
I believe I got pics of you too. I remember you in your tin shack with telephone equip. I drove everyday to Vietnamese sector headquarters where I had my radio station set up. You would come out and visit me there. Remember Bryson and I ran our weapons across your tin corrugated building and scared the heck out of you. You came smashing out with loaded rifle. Hopefully you are doing well. Write back and let me know how you are doing. I was Airman first class USAF. joegallojr@aol.com
Tom Swider, you said you had a picture of Charlie Johnson. If you get a chance could you please e-mail. This is my first year of contact so it’s new to me, thanks.
I was at Bao Loc quite afew times 67-68. I got drunk several times. I knew Capt. Reed & Capt Nettinger (72) . I flew several times WO Fitzgerald assisting door gunner. I remember the road block and the VC milling amounge the people. I was there when Reed & the CIA went down and helped bring them out. Did the Army aircraft mech. get his M2 out of county? I was the guy that stopped the generator from running away durning lunch one day.
Barry, Ed Fitzgerald has a facebook page if you want to link up with him. I was at the Forward Support unit next to the runway. We provided mechanical, food, general supplies, showers and laundry for the 3/503rd at Camp Smith. Our mailing address was through Team 38.
Hi Barry, enjoyed reading your comment about our gunship missions. I remember the roadblock well. I have an article about that incident and will send it to you. My email address is falconx10@mindspring.com, send me an email with your email address and will send a copy to you. Hope you are doing well, hard to believe it has been over 50 years ago. Take care, Al Fitzgerald
Hello Barry. Glad you made it back in one piece. I was an aircraft mechanic on the Air Force “Bird Dogs”. I bunked with Charlie Johnson in the summer of ’68 just as he was rotating stateside. I think I have a picture of him. Post an eMail address and I’ll see if I can find it and send it to you. I’m in Arizona, 73, and in relatively good shape. Viet Nam is always fresh on the mind, even after all the years.
Terry, Thanks for responding. would you please see if you have a picture of Charlie Johnson and e-mail it to me. bgartside@comcast.net. I’m glad you’re in relatively good shape. Nam did a job on me, sugar, heart, PTSD. (agent orange) I’m making it though, never thought I would live this long. The wife says I have 9 – lives but I don’t know which one I’m on.
I was an Air Force radio operator at Bao Loc team 38. Early 1970 till Dec that same year. Major Robert Bock was the Air Force Liason Officer. I have many pictures of people, places and things. If interested email jjstudebaker49@gmail.com……..put Bao Loc as subject….so it won’t get erased.
I just found this site! I was with Team #38 from mid 1970 to mid 1971. I was a civilian with CORDS, and sent to Bao Loc to help with the resettlement of 10,000 Vietnamese fleeing Cambodia. As such, I drove to Di Linh only twice, and stayed overnight only once during my entire time in province. If you or anyone you know was there at that time, I’d love to hear from you. I have a number of photos, but only a few of Team personnel, unfortunately. Please contact me at: mike@michaeltolle.com
I was a Mat team leader in the B’sar District ‘ team #29 for ten months then moved, to Team #38. Looking for information of team members I served with. Had a friend that was team leader in same time in Di Linh. Larry Tillman
I was an Rto in A 3 503 173rd Abn June 68 to July 69 and our base camp was Bao Loc.
My son and I will be in Saigon, Bao Loc and DaLat during Christmas. Any suggestions on things to do?
Dennis I was young and dum the first time. Don’t believe I have any interest in a second time.Enjoy your trip.
Sent from Jim’s I-phone
A friend of mine who worked with me at the Forward Support Activity near the airport returned and took a few photos a few years ago. Our compound, right next to the bird dog area, was a residential area, as was the Camp Smith (3/503) area to the east. Take a look at Google Earth and you will be amazed at the changes. Jim, my suggestion is to take pictures and send copies out to those like me who would enjoy seeing them.
E co Recon 3rd 503rd 173rd ABN 67-68 OCT. Crazy A.O. Came south from LZ uplift and LZ English first team to start Base camp for the Herd.
I am trying to place a air force member in Bao Loc, Lam Dong in 1970. His name was Henry David Powell, I don’t know what unit though. Does anyone remember him?
Air Force radio operator till Dec 1970. Lived on the macv compound. Lots of pics of Army and Air Force. Enlisted men and officers. Downtown, the strip, the psp Air field. Etc. feel free to contact me.
Welcome home Brother. It would be great seeing your pictures. Send if you can.
Terry, I would like to see those pictures as well. I have some from the airstrip with the radio Jeep and the bird dogs. terry.welshans@gmail.com.
Hi Terry, my name is Michael Tolle, and I was assigned to Team #38 in July of 1970, so our times there overlap. I was the young one of three civilians on the team. The others were John Ford, the DPSA, and George Kimball, the Police Advisor. I was sent to help with the 10,000 Vietnamese refugees from Cambodia that arrived in Bao Loc that summer. I am interested in contacting anyone who was there when I was, June 1970 to May,1971. I am also interested in any photos, and have several of my own to share. Do you remember me?
Jjstudebaker49@gmail.com
I was at Di Linh 1970-71. Lived in the two story french house. Major Woodie Wallace woodieww@gmail.com. I think I was the last senior advisor to leave. We were leaving in a hurry.
I was there 1968-69. I was the radio operator for Captain Joe Weatherall. I was there when the VC tried to overrun the compound on August 21st. That night we were supported by the 173rd Airborne. 43 enemy soldiers were killed that night. The 173rd lost 3 men.
Not sure if you were aware of the capture of Ly. Dunn and Pfc. James Ray just before I got there. Dunn was released in 1973 but Ray died in captivity.
Did you know Joseph B Johnson from West Virginia …..he was there the same years as you.
No, I did not know him!
Glen is just read your post and checked in to see if I could post any pictures but no deal . So this messages goes out to all I was part of Team 38 Bao loc and a fair amount of pictures.I was there from June 67 till March 68 if you would like to see them please email me your email address Iand I will send them out .
I would think there are alot of you that have pictures
Jim@parsinc.com
Hey Jim;
I was at Bao Loc during the tet offence of 68. There was 2 of us 54th signal BN . . SGT Bush and I William Gilmore. All I had was a LAW when we hit the trench in the middle of the night. My plt sgt in nha trang told me to get my personal stuff and get in the jeep. I was not taken to supply to draw a M14 for the trip. Signal guys had 14s back then. Charlie never attack us during tet. . . he did kill a priest and in the town of bio loc but never came west where our compound was. bio Loc was one of only 2 places “Sir Charles” did not hit in south Vietnam macv compound. 2 weeks before 54th Signal was going to send me and another guy with 2 RATT rigs to Hue. . . for some reason this did not happen . . . I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN A BETTER PLACE . . the way it turned out.
I was there 1967-1968 173rd 3/503. We were extracted from Central highlands to Bao loc to a ARVN Base. I was with fire support team that night. Lost a man, Wally, and I was hit. just about every one on the team was hit. Pretty scary night.
I thought you guys lost three men that night. I do know if it wasn’t for you guys, we wouldn’t have survived. We had killed a VC in an ambush and he had a letter saying they were planning an attack on that night. That’s the reason you guys were sent to help us. So glad you all were there that night!
I was in a bunker on the perimeter when the sun came up that morning. You could hear the slicks for mop up that morning. WE were extracted so I never heard anything about KIA. What caught my attention was you mentioning the capture of men out MACV> I was sent to Bon Son to a LRRP Unit after discharge from hospital. Glad you made it home safe. Thank you have safe day.
Thank you and glad you survived!
I was at Di Linh first half 1971 then moved to Ba Loc. Sp5 Gary Hicks (medic).
I remember Maj. Wallace District Senior Advisor, MSG Brown (NCOIC), SFC Lindsey (District Medic) and Mr. Parrish (Phoenix). MAT 52 Lt. Carter, Lt. Montavlo, SSG Allred and mydelf Sp5. Gary Hicks (medic). Maj. Wallace had a calf and three geese if I remember right. I was there when Di Linh was overrun and US missionary killed by VC.
Yes. Remember the geese were same as a dog much squaking in the night. Also had a monkey. Sorry I just saw your comment today. Would like to hear from you.
Glad to hear from you Maj. Wallace you can contact me at glhicks@live.com
What year was Di Linh over run. I was with the 3rd/503rd 173rd ARB 1967-68. TET
it was Mar or April 1971 not 100% on Month, I was there with MACV Di Linh
April 26, 1971 Google Ted Studebaker missionary killed the night of the NVA attack.
Thank you Maj. Wallace I should never have forgotten the name or the date.
Do you recall the date Di Linh was over run.
Woodrow W Wallace says:
March 4, 2019 at 8:20 pm
April 26, 1971 Google Ted Studebaker missionary killed the night of the NVA attack.
Was there any Americans killed at the MACV compound?
No, we were not attacked
Gary, what happen to the team there? Was it closed or do you know? I finally retired as a Corps of Engineers civilian. And living in Medellin, Colombia for past five years. I must like it here.
Maj. Wallace it was there in Dec 71 when I left Vietnam, not sure of the names after the MAT team was inactivated I went to Bao Loc on a MAT Team Cpt. Tillman, SFC Travis, SSG Allred and myself we did a couple of operations in Di Linh District as I recall.
Do you remember when SFC Travis and SSG Allred left Vietnam. Also, do you remember accident Cpt Tillman had just before leaving Vietnam?
Hello. My name is Curt Rogers and I was a MAT Team Leader from September 71-72. In fact, SSG Allred was my “Deputy”. During the Easter offensive I went up north and joined the 2nd Airborne Bde/2nd Ranger Group for operations on Rocket Ridge in the battle of Kontum. I returned to Lam Dong from the hospital in Saigon in the latter part of June. Might anyone out there have contacts for Major Wallace, or others above?
Hello Curt, this is Major Wallace send me an email to woodieww@hotmail.com. [cid:image003.jpg@01D6A713.E828E620]
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Yes I guess you must. I retired US Army 1993 as 1SG and retired in 2015 as a Police Sergeant in Arkansas where I am retired.
interesting. I was a Navy Corpsman there from 1967 to 1968. I stayed in that french house with a small MACV unit. I also worked in the small hospital up the hill from the house with a Dutch doctor.His first name was Hans but do not remember his last name. also treated some of the children at the the orphan home with the nuns.
I was there 1970-71. Remember a very large avocado tree (like a large oak tree) in the Nun’s yard. I gave the orphanage toothpaste, candy, etc things donated from our care packets. The young nuns climbed the avocado tree and gave me a basket full. I don’t think the doctor and hospital was still there. No memory of it. Visited the leper colony run by the retired catholic monsignor several times. 2 or 3 miles outside Di Linh. French man owned a restaurant in town and a coffee/tea planation owned by a French man. Have pictures but somewhere in storage.
I remember the orphanage well. The nuns were with the St. Vincent de Paul groups. Also went to the leper colony to see some of the people afflicted. Sorry to hear about the over run of DiLinh. That had to happen after i left. I remember the Army msjor who was in charge at the compound. Can not remember his name but a big man with a short crewcut. Used to play football in college. Glad you made it home safe and well i assume.
I was there as the radio operator from March 68 until March 69. Stayed in the big house also. Was there when the VC tried to overrun the compound. Killed 43 VC and the 173rd Airborne that was above the compound up by the hospital, lost 3 men. We knew they were going to attack so we got reinforcements from the 173rd.
Wow, glad you got out safe. We had no direct attacks on the compound but highway 20 was a bad road. I left in June 1968 as i remember. Had some anxious moments at the compound tho.
We’re you there when Pfc. James Ray and Lt. Dunn were captured on a road clearing operation? Sgt. Gantt was also killed.
No, i think that happened before i arrived. There was army major, army captain, and a radio operater besides me.
Did you know the mat team leader there Capt. Carter ?
Dear Sir, My name is Curtis Rogers. I was a MAT team leader and believe you were responsible for my having received the Soldiers Medal in an engagement. In April of 1972 I volunteered to go north and support the 2nd Airborne Brigade of the Vietnamese Airborne Division. I returned to Bao Loc after release from the hospital in Saigon. I know that Captain David Monteith was the administrative officer, and SSG Allred was the Team Sergeant. Might you be able to provide information around these matters?
How are you doing Curtis? I don’t think we were there at the same time. Call me 843 278 2328. Maybe you can jog my memory.
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Seeking any details or photos of MAT 38 (A.F.S.Z.) members Captain T. McMahon, Frank Maccarrone and Bill Collins ( listed as KIA). Thanks for looking. Ed Hicks
Hello. I wanted to let this group know that I recently visited Di Linh and was able to meet some of the people who were there with my father in 1968. If anyone would like to see some of the photos or videos of Di Linh today, please let me know. My email is tggilmartin@gmail.com.
Thank you.
I would love to have the pics. And anything else you might have.
I want you contact you . I come from Di Linh Viet Nam. Can you email me back? My dad is looking forward to talking to your dad Tom. Looking forward to hearing from you son .
I would deeply thank you for some photos.
hello my name is Henry Nier. I was a Navy Corpsman assigned to DiLinh from 1967 to approx. June of 1968. I did a lot of work at the hospital although the staff was limited to several nurses myself and a Dutch Doctor whose first name was Hans, but for the life of me can not remember his last name. I stayed in the small MACV house down the hill from the hospital. we had ordered and received a 1967 international jeep blue in color as i remember. I would love to see pictures from 1968 or earlier
Dear Tim:
My name is Leonard Casillas, I was a 1Lt. in Di Lind form Late May 68 – Dec 68. I was assigned to MATS 53. Major Jones was senior advisor, I’ve forgotten the name of his successor. Yes I would like to see the photos and videos of Di Linh after the war. email: mecinf06@yahoo.com
My name is Glenn Carter. I was there same time as you. I was the radio operator. I also remember Sgt. Smith from Virginia.
My father’s name is Tom Gilmartin and he served in Di Linh from 1968 to 1969 as a Corpsman with the MILPHAP team based in the hospital in Di Linh. If you have any information or photos of him we would be truly grateful. Also, I have an aerial photo of Di Linh in 1968, if anyone would like to see it. Email me at tggilmartin@gmail.com.
Lastly, I was considering flying to Di Linh this month on the tailend of a business trip. Has anyone been back to the area? And if so, is there anything left that my father might recognize? I wanted to take photos of the area for him but I worry everything has been built over.
Thank you for your time.
Tom Gilmartin Jr.
Gary I was already gone before you came in I do remember just clearing way for the air strip and setting up tent city .Thanks for you support .
Jim
Joseph Mucelli passed away in 2012. He tried to locate Sgt. Hamby also, but with no luck. The last we know of Hamby was that he designed the Dalat golf course in the 1990s (?). I’ve searched the internet and other resources with no luck. I was stationed at MACV Adv. Team 38 from Oct 1967 until July 1968. I enjoy hearing from anybody posted there at any time. I’m compiling a book about Team 38 and would welcome any and all materials (notes, photographs, etc.) to include. I of course will give credit to any material I use. BTW, when I visited the MACV Bao Loc site in 1999, it was a automobile repair ‘shop’. But the Ag School dorm buildings we used are still there.
i apoligze, my father is ret. 1st class petty officer, larry e hamby. korea and veitam vet. once ud, and search and rescue..from above..im his son, im trying to get more info on his service for this great country..THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Any suggestions on how i can do this?
One thing you can do is go to Ancestry.com and enter his name and home state, if known. That website connects you to public and military records. Good luck!
I was at Bao Loc from June to April 1969. I was at the Forward Support Activity next to the runway at the airport. Our mailing address was c/o MACV Team 38. I was the SP5 that operated the automotive repair shop, but we all (there were only 35 of us) did everything. Team 38 allowed us to shower and get a hot meal the first month we were there as we had no facility of our own. We unloaded the aircraft, sorted, stored and delivered all supplies to units in the area. MACV was on sep rats, but we delivered your shipments from the airport to your camp. Glad to have met you guys!
My brother Major Donald Graney arrived in bao loc Sept 1966 assigned to MACH team 38 . On Feb 19 1967 he was infomed of a road block by VC and went out to investigate and became involved in a VC trap. While calling for air strike after a brief mortor and grenade battle he was killed along with another officer. I believe there was a sergent with them but do not knw of his fate.
If you have any information on this I would be pleased to hear from you. Dan Graney graney@uw.edu
Daniel,
Go to kloppenburg.net/mucelli-story/ for a more complete description of the day your brother was KIA. The other officer was Capt. Paul E. Van Hoose, a classmate/roommate with me at Eastern Kentucky University in 1960-1962 time frame.
Harve Turner, LTC US Army retired.
Giles E. Hamby, of Greenville, SC, died on 12 March 1991. I got this from the US Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, thru a link in Ancestry.com.
I have photos and letters sent from my father who passed away. He was a MACV advisor from 1969 to 1970. If they would be of help for your book, let me know.
David lets get the pictures posted Many of us would love to see them . Do you have someone to help you load them ?
Jim Christiano
Not sure what you mean by load them. I can get digital photo versions, but I’m not sure how they get uploaded to this site. I can email them to those who want them also.
Sorry I mean up loaded however you can
Sent from Jim’s I-phone
Photos and videos can not be uploaded onto this site. It is a technical issue.
Has anyone be able to change that ?I have some pictures I would like to upload .
No, you will have to send them directly to those requesting them.
I can email you some photos if you give me your email. It may take me a few months, as I am oversees right now.
What was your fathers name? I was on the MACV team 38 Di Linh compound from March of 1969 to Jan. 2 !970. I have a friend from W. Virginia that was there also. We have spent some time together since and talk a couple times a year.
I was there March 68 to March 69. I knew a sergeant Smith.
I showed up with a signal relay station. Don’t remember the exact date in March. The team that was there left shortly after i got there. I met 3 different MACV teams or people and 1 MAT team and a Navy doctor with 2 medics during my stay. They were still taking showers under a 55 Gal drum. If you left in March of 69 you wouldn’t believe what they did to that compound during my stay.
I knew a SSG Smith assigned to MAT 53. We came from the 4th Infantry Division. I believe he lived in the state of Virginia.
My father’s name was Gary DeVallance and he was an Advisor at Bao Loc from 1969 to 1970.
My father’s name is Tom Gilmartin. He was a Corpsman serving in the hospital with MACV. He talks about a man named Mike Ryan. I think he was part Irish and Native American and from
Chicago. I have some good photos from 68-69 and I visited DiLinh myself 2 years ago. Lmk if you’d like to see some photos. And please let me know if you remember my father or his friend, Mike. Thank you.
I was on the Di Linh, Macv compound from March thru 1969. I was with the signal re lay station that we brought there. I had a good friend that I served with in Di Linh passed away 2 months ago. I haven’t seen any of the people on this site from that time period
I was the RTO there from March 68 to March 69.
A group of people left shortly after i got to Di Linh. I guess i was the new guy at that time.
My husband Joseph B. Johnson was in MAC V ADVISORY 38 in 1968, 1969 and 1970 did you know him? He passed away May 12, 2008 …he had a lot of illnesses after returning home during his last years of life.
Was he at Bao Loc or Di Linh?
I do remember a Johnson with us by any chance would you have a picture.
I was there as a teletype guy . . . I was in the compound for a couple of weeks during the tet offence . . got to see my 1st yards while there . . they were along the road coming west from the town heading west. . . I am interested in photos of that time
Sounds like Mucelli, Hamby they were 2 of a kind. I think they called J Mucelli the Pattie fox does anyone have a location on Hamby ?
Larry E Hamby USN?
Giles E. Hamby, of Greenville, SC, died on 12 March 1991. I got this from the US Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, thru a link in Ancestry.com.
Dennis I was their Arrival June 67 out March of 68.
Jim Christiano
I am looking for any photos taken during the tet offencive time . . . I am 5ft6in dark hair . .54th signal Bn patch . . . SGT busch was also there from 54th signal
Jim@parsinc.comji
I would love to see the pictures.
Jim, cannot find your email address. Send it to me and I will get them to you. Have a good day, Al Fitzgerald
Don I would love to see your pictures . I was their in 67.
Jim Christiano
Al, I would love to see those photos. I was TDY there from Oct 67 til Jul 68.
If anyone is interested I found several photos taken of the compound and one in the dining room at Bao Loc with several people visible who I do not recognize. I can send them to anyone interested, just let me know your email. Time period would be 1967. Take care, Al Fitzgerald
i was there in 67, don goddard63@aol.com
Yes , would like to see the photos too.
Al, I would like to see the pics. I was with the signal detachment from May ’67 to Sept. ’68.
email at griley729@twc.com
Jerry Riley
Al will you please send me a copy of the photos .
Jim, is there a way to attach photos here, or, do I need your email address. Thanks and take care, Al
My father served in Di Linh with MIPHAP Team 4. Would love to see the photos or any others taken around that time. He served there from 1969 – 1969. Was considering going back for a visit but I assume all the landmarks are built over. He used to be stationed in an old french house there. It was mortared a few times. Not sure if it’s still standing. Have you been back in recent years? Thank you for your time. My email is tggilmartin@gmail.com
Hi Al, Sorry I’ve been out of touch. Hope all is well with you. Never got to hear about your last trip to Bao Loc. Are the pictures that you found the ones that I sent to you? If not I would love to see them.
Dennis
Al I was there then I would really w to see your picture. My email jim@parsinc.com
Sent from Jim’s I-phone
I just found this site, I was stationed at Bao Loc late 67 and would love to see the pictures.
Thanks Jim
I would like to see the pictures of Bao Loc
gpequet1@juno.com
Jim I would like to see them
Jim@parsinc.com
I would like photos of the compound and dining facility . . I was there during the 68 tet offence
It’s very straightforward to find out any topic on net
as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this site.
My Uncle(whom I was named after) Maj Donald Caryl Graney – I believe was part of Advisory Team 38. My Dad (his brother) is still alive and doing well. I’m interested in learning more about Don and his service in the Military. I do know that he was killed on February 24th, 1967 in Di Linh Subsector. My understanding is that he was killed in an ambush style attack. If anyone knew him, or has pictures of him while he served, I would be very interested in connecting with you. Feel free to reach out to me at don_graney@yahoo.com Thanks, Don
I believe my dad flew out of Bao Loc in 1968 time frame. Capt. Earl (Robbie) Robertson, USAF. He was a FAC and I can ask him if he remembers his call sign. He has a lot of 35mm slides of photos he took during his tour if anyone remembers him and/or is interested.
Great, thanks Mike! you can email me at don_graney@yahoo.com if you find any.
seahorse 21 ?
Mike I remember your dad, he was leaving as I was arriving in ’68. He showed me how to clean my M 16 properly at the “flying Circus” building we had at the west side of the airport. We also put together smoke rockets and stored them for our missions one afternoon. The planes’ revetments and our building were there, along with a small ops area/radio stack. I was Intel…and replaced a guy named Kieffer. I think a guy Ed Lauffer replaced your dad along with a Capt Laurence when he went stateside, whom was returning to fly for PSA on the west coast. We were down a couple of pilots until Lt.s Lauffer and Coucher showed up.
The general call sign was “Walt” I guess your dad was Walt 71, mine was Walt 70 India as I was Intel and reported to the commander of the group..always call sign Walt 70. It was a great group of pilots and support guys, including the people that ran the airport ops. By the way I’m glad your dad gave me a few pointer’s the M 16 it came in handy, thank him for me.
Team 38 like many of the MACV groups was a mixed isolated operation usually Army operation, with USAF and USN attachments. As was team 38…Navy medical, and USAF operation from the 21st TASS out of Na Trang that moved to Cam Rahn Bay in ’69.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for helping me with John’s last name. I remember you fondly, hope you are well and life has treated you kindly. I have an 8mm film with you and a few of the guys goofing off at the compound. We may have been in Sgt. Sheppard’s hooch with a few refreshments prior to that. Reach me at nobigdeal at frontier dot com .
I’ve been trying to post messages all day on this site, but they all got eaten. I finally disabled adblocker plus and spelled out my email and it managed to post. This site is nice and all, but WTF. It’s impossible to communicate with anyone. Contact me ASAP, if you live anywhere between Michigan and Arizona. I found one of the Army mechanics, Sam Stegal, about ten years ago. He said he bought 10 acres near Clear Lake ,CA and was going to move there. Other than him you’re the first contact from Bao Loc. Do you remember the dogs, Mousey and Rocky? Mousey had pups in the intel bunker and there was a dispute about ownership. Saturday was steak night. You had to cook your own, but they were too tough to eat. I hope this posts.
Tom those tough steaks were (rumored) to be game including water buffalo taken by PSA & others on C&C chopper It was flown in daily from Nha Trang. Rarely stayed over night the chopper pad was Charlie’s bullseye for practice.
Evans, you just reminded me of on incident that occurred at the airfield. one of our BirdDogs was in for service at Nha Trang and it’s revetment was vacant. The Vietnaese had their own plane that always stood out in the open. The crew chief asked to park his plane in the empty spot. I said, sure, why not? The next morning I was the first one at the airfield, still a little hung over. I checked my plane out and signed it off. Then I pulled out a lawn chair and sat in front of the flight shack. After a bit the Vietnamese showed up and I watched the crew chief on his knees bowing to the pilot as he was being reamed ROYALLY. I sat there chuckling to myself wondering WTF, so I wandered over to the action and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Vietnamese plane looked like swiss cheese. Both tires were flat, the windshield was shattered, oil was covering the ground and you could through the engine, holes everywhere!! The mortar left a dimple in the ground barely an inch deep, but it wiped out that plane. They brought in a flying crane to lift it out. Fortunately for me I reexamined my plane and found a piece of shrapnel had entered and severed some of the radio wires and I corrected the log book, Very suspicious. I recovered some shards of mortar that had Chinese writing.
I was next to a pilot while in the trench during the night . . . never bothered to learn his name . . everyone was pretty shookup as the tet offence was just cranking up . . . I would like any photos of the compound . . . the mosquitoes were ferocious there
Mike, I might have a photo of your dad. It’s a FAC pilot that I can’t identify. I believe his name was Robbie, but I wasn’t familiar with him, since he arrived as I was leaving. The time was Jan. 1969. My email is nobigdeal@frontier.com I’ll send it to you.
jim@parsinc.com
Kristy I am sure I was in the team when your Dad was their .In fact when I took over the RTO lead we roomed next to each other . If you have a picture of you Dad that would be great as Names from that long ago have lost my mine. But all the memories are still there. I am looking for pictures that I have and hope top get them off so everyone can enjoy the same old memories .
Jim Christiano
I can email you some pics. If you give me your email.
I am compiling a book on MACV AdvTeam 38. Anything from anybody stationed there anytime, I would love to see. Contact me thru email address below.
Neil Olsen
Team 38 Bao Loc
Oct 67 to Jul 68
Neil, Did you get my email sent two days ago on12/30?
Neil, I was one of the gunship pilots from the 155th Assault Helicopter Company out of Ban Me Thout. I spent a good bit of time at Bao Loc during the January to November 1967. I remember the two FAC pilots shot down during my time there. We were, also, shot down, as I remember, southeast of Bao Loc in June or July. We had a LT assigned to MACV with us as an observer. None of us got hurt, we apparently caught a VC unit resting and think we tore them up pretty good. I will be making my fifth trip back over next month and will make one more effort to find the old compound. The AG College and Catholic church are still there, but cannot find or recognize any of the buildings in the compound. Remember the great meals there, especially the pies the cooks made. I am going to copy this same information to a couple other people on this post, also. Good to connect with some of you guys. Let me know if I can be of any help. Al Fitzgerald Falcon 10
Hi Al, over the years I’ve often talked about flying with the gunships while in Bao Loc. You guys were absolutely fearless and a little nuts. If I recall one of the pilots was from New Jersey and was teaching me how to fly the gunship or at least keep it in the air. Those trips were without a doubt the most memorable moments during my tour over there. My memory’s shot for the most part but can remember some details. I recall one of the ships bringing back a stag that they shot and the cooks made some awesome steaks on an outdoor grill that someone put together in the compound. Also remember flying just above the tree tops with leaves flying into the ship. Was told by the pilots that the VC were less likely to hear us coming until it was too late. They were right. I have a picture of me standing in front a bird dog out at the airfield that either crashed or was shot down. Don’t remember if it was Capt Reeds. Have another picture of a plane that crashed at the end of the runway. Don’t remember why. I was with MACV and on my first day in Bao Loc Cpt Reed took me up to look over the area. He was forward observing for artillery and nearly got us shot down trying to draw fire to locate some VC. Loved to fly with him and his rocket mounted Bird Dog. Eventually I was convinced that all pilots must have been a little nuts. I was very impressed by all the pilots and their composure under fire. Always wondered if the compound was still there and who all were stationed there in 67/68. paten138@aol.com
that would have been lt jewel, and yes you made a mess we got to go in and clean it up. good job, ps sgt clark was in the other gun, 1/44/23arvn
I was at Bao Loc for a couple of months right before TET. I was an air traffic controller with the 125th ATC and worked the airport tower there. I have pics of an Air America C-123 that tried to autorotate into rw. 27 and tore up the runway in the process. I believe that the AF sent in a team to haul the bird to the end of rw 9 and repair the psp. We were back in action the next day and about a week later a couple of mechanics landed and repaired the 123. I was working the morning shift one day when the dammed thing cranked up, rolled out on 9 and took off. They never called the tower. Do you know where the runway was located with respect to any of the landmarks in town? Thanks Dennis Davis
The airport was located directly north of “downtown” Bao Loc…the main road basically ended at the airport…at the end of ’69 the 101st built a camp north of the airport and cleared off several acres in all directions. Also in mid 69 engineers cleared off the camp site we lived on to create a kill zone to the college and west and north off the highway.
I was a member of team 38 at Di Linh.
March 68 – March 69
glennrcarter@gmail.com
I went to Di Linh after Pfc. James Ray was captured. I replaced him as RTO.
i was there when he came in.don goddard 1/44/23 arvn adv tm
OK I am lost what is the difference between Team 38 Bio Lock and Team 38 Di Linh
I believe same team, different locations.
Jim: Advisory Team 38 was based in the then province capital of Bao Loc. Personnel were also posted to Di Linh, government seat of the sub-sector (or District), but were administered from Bao Loc. Does that help?
My father served in Di Linh with MILPHAP Team 4. Would love to see the photos or any others taken around that time. He served there from 1968 – 1969. Was considering going back for a visit but I assume all the landmarks are built over. He used to be stationed in an old french house there. It was mortared a few times. Not sure if it’s still standing. Have you been back in recent years? Thank you for your time. My email is tggilmartin@gmail.com. Good luck with the book.
Tom, i think your dad was my replacement on milphap team 4. I was there from 1967 and left around 6/68. You have given me a reason to go back and review my slides from that time. Have to see if i can have them placed on a disc.
Neil, I was there end of 1965 to Nov. 1966.
I was Air Force radio operator working at Vietnamese sector headquarters while living in MACV compound. I flew with different FACs, during search and destroy missions, air strikes, photo recon.,etc. working this area. (Bird Dogs)
Joe Gallo
AIC USAF
Note: Still have my honorary certificate from the gang at Bao Loc, given to me when I left. Many signatures on it,including vietnamese too.
I’ve got many still pictures, slides and movies of Bao Loc and surrounding area..
joegallojr@aol.com
let me know when you complete the book . . I’ll buy one. tet 68 was my time frame there . . . I had a IFFV shield patch on as a 54th signal bn guy
William I have about 50 pictures send me your email address and I will sent them to you Jim Christiano . Also any one who would like then I will be happy to send them out ,
jim@parsinc.con
Great to hear you are planning a book about Team 38. I was a civilian assigned to the team from mid 1970 to mid 1971, to aid in the resettlement of 10,000 VN refugees evicted from Cambodia. I’d love to contribute what I can. I have published a book, “A Spear Carrier in Viet Nam; Memoir of an American Civilian in Country, 1967 and 1970-72.” A good part of it is about my time in Bao Loc.
Looking forward to your book! Let me know if I can help.
Sorry Virgil wont do Facebook post the picture and I will be glad to help if I can .
i ran across a picture of a sign at a compound that says*maccords adv team 38 ,bau loc vietnam , apo u s forces 96493* any one have info on this … contact me on face book …virgil aycox
Maccords and MACV Team 38 were same unit. In 1970 the Vietnamization of the war started. MACV and CORDS were combined heavily influenced by the CIA and the PHOENIX program. I had the privilege of participating in it’s initiation in Saigon. And it’s follow through in Baoloc Lam Dong Province
i was in Bao Loc from May ’67 to Sept. ’68. Attached to Team from 43d Signal out of Dalat. Some of the signal guys were Davis, Kerchenko, House, and Smith.
George “Big G” Evans got to Bao Loc in June 68 shortly after James Ray was captured. Was trained as clerk in Fort Wood used as camp flunky in Nam. Including driver shotgun for MI officer CPT Kloet. Rto for strike force. Body retrieval details. Was present when 1LT James Hamilton allegedly shot himself. Left Lam Dong and Nam in Dec 1970. Anxious to go back while can still walk. Several PSA during my tour can’t remember them all do remember LTC Mueller and COL Stephens.
George, were you in the bunker when Lt Hamilton died? I ask because I’m trying to find an Air Force Radio Operator that was in the bunker at the time of the incident. His name was John H??? and he was from Wilkes Barre, PA. I can’t remember his last name. It was like Hockmouth or Hokenmuth.or something along those lines. He was one of the two Radio Operators from the 21st TASS. The other one was Learly Patterson, my bunkmate. Lt Hamilton joined us in the hooch the night before. That was unusual for him. We sat around in Sgt Sheppard’s room listening to a Motown tape over drinks, a nightly ritual. He seemed in good spirits so it seemed strange what had happened. It was a gruesome sight I can’t get out of my mind
Tom just read your comments today as I was searching for the old team 38…it was John Hollock…and I was there a few minutes after it happened along with Lt Earl Henn, Army Intel, Lee’s really good friend. Sadly it was an accident, from accounts at the time. Hope you are well.
This is Tom Swider from Hamtramic, MI originally?
Hi Scott, Thanks for helping me with John’s last name. I remember you fondly, hope you are well and life has treated you kindly. I have an 8mm film with you and a few of the guys goofing off at the compound. We may have been in Sgt. Sheppard’s hooch with a few refreshments prior to that. Reach me at nobigdeal@frontier.com .
Hi Scott, I sent two replies with my email address, but I don’t see them posted. Maybe the third time is a charm. nobigdeal@frontier.com . You remember the C123 that crashed across from the compound. It killed four guys. I have some film of the crash site on the day after. There was not much left, but the tail section and landing gears. I spent my days at the airfield and sometimes I would be the only one out there and the radio operators would inform me of an inbound plane and I would pop a green smoke to let them know it was safe to land. One afternoon a C123
landed and Sgt McNeil was not around with his forklift so the pilot did a wheelie and a couple of pallets rolled out. Curious as to content, I noticed it was a shipment of Del Monte root beer. I like root beer, so I transported 2 cases back to the compound. It came in handy as a mixer during the monsoon when the place ran out of Coke. The C123s also delivered fuel in giant rubber bladders that they would off-load in the same manner. One time one of those bladders bounced out and rolled down the hill below the airstrip. The indigenous emptied it pronto. Contact me.
Hello Tom I worked with Sgt McNiel at the airfield. We usually took turns and worked every other day. I remember driving from the compound to the airfield. The kids would bet for food along the way. I started the habit of down loading the fuel bladders that way. Kinda raised hell with the houses below the hill.
Hey Gary, Glad you’re still kicking. You realize it’s been 50 years since we were at Bao Loc. I happened to meet one of the Army guys that was there at the time. He posted on this site, too. His name is Terry Welshan. As it turns out, he lives a short distance from where the Total Solar Eclipse happened, in Kentucky. So, I met him and his wife for dinner, on my way to Tennessee with my daughter her kids where we watched the Eclipse. It was a spectacular sight. If you remember there was a stream at the bottom of the hill where the Montagnard women used to wash and bathe. I would take some pieces of the ice that was flown in everyday and pass it out to the kids along the road. Some had never seen ice in their life. I could never figure out what we were doing there. Stay well.
Thanks for the mention, Tom. Yes, we had a great time sitting down to a good meal with you and your family. 50 years seems like just a few weeks. I have many vivid memories of Bao Loc and everyone I knew there.
Well come home Tom. Good to hear from you. Your e-mail sure brought back memories. All the little kids looking for handouts. One little girl would come to the airfield and sell bottles of Coke for 10 cents. Another would sell bottles of beer made from embolming fluid. Bom-De-Bom I think it was called. I requested some pictures a guy has from this sight. Hope he can send them. They are from the village and air field.
Well take care Brother. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Gary
on the east side of bio loc city was a bar/restaurant. . . SGT Bush took me there in late jan 68 and we bought a coke . . mine was a 12 or 16 oz bottle . . I drank half of it before realizing something was floating around in the bottom of the bottle . . I would like any pictures from bio loc during the tet of 68
Good Morning again Tom. Hope you had a Merry Christmas. I haven’t heard from you so I will send my e-mail to you again. Looking forward of pictures of the air field and any others you want to send. Thanks Gary
gpequet1@juno.com
Scott, my email is nobigdeal@frontier.com
I remember Patterson and yes I was in the bunker with SFC Hamm and 1LT Henn. I don’t remember John H
The information we received in Di Linh, was Lt Hamilton accidentally shot himself in the head. A very sad situation.
I was intelligence specialist for CPT Kloet at Bao Loc TOC the day Lt Hamilton died. Part of my responsibility was to coordinate and collate intel with my Vietnamese counterpart. Everyone I talked to including the shrink I still see says forget about it. The Vietnamese had a different theory. I’m not even sure Lt Henn is aware. Hopefully this is the last time I address this. It does serve no purpose.
George good to hear you’re still around. I was USAF intel and back seater in the O 1’s we flew and on ground ops with Lt Henn and our Vietnamese counterparts as we visited the plantations often with Capt Phoe (FEHW). Plus extra night guard, back up medic to Corp Grouchow, and occasionally relief radio operator for the USAF. Col “Smoke” Stephens, about as fine an officer as I ever served with.
Scott I remember always begging to go up in the bird dogs. If you vomit you clean it up. LoL
My time in Bao Loc was April, May & June of 1964.
I was TDY to Advisory Team 38 from the 4th Infantry Division (Oct 67 to Jun 68). Capt. Varona (the mad Cuban), and a sgt and I comprised the Combined Mobile Improvement Team training with the Regional Forces (mostly montagnards). I am currently compiling a book about Lam Dong province and the American presence there. During my stay, Maj. Mueller was the CO, and the late Joe Mucelli, Hamby, were there, too. I would love to hear from any and all of you about your experiences there. Also any photos would be really appreciated.
Neil Olsen
Hi Neil just read your comments . I was in the in 1967, Served with Major J Mucelli ,Sargent Hanby and a Cuban Sargent Alabaster ???. Not 100% but Muller was the top dog then . Also that is when Capt W Reed USAF and his CIA second seat were shot down. I was the RTO that replaced Hedglen who broke a leg repelling down a cliff. Not sure if I have any pictures not a lot of time to take then but I do I will get back to this site
SGT Baldanado. Loved to use a shotgun in the bush.
Mucelli, Hanby, Crops, and Baldanado made a second tour in ’69 when I was there. They were assigned to the “A” camps, montanyard villages, I visited them at Team 38th when they would visit and re-supply and with Army Capt Dennis’s(?) trips in his L 19 to the villages a number of times.We could take up ammo, beer and Cognac.
In late 63 and early 64 we went to Bao Loc with units of the 145th Aviation Battalion and flew elements of the 34th Regional Force Battalion and 54th Popular Force Battalions on search and destroy missions.
In May 64 I was detailed to Advisory team 38 as their radio operator. There was only 8 Americans, including myself, in Bao Loc. We stayed at the agricultural college and had a platoon of Montagnards assigned to protect us. I always thought that our site could not be defended.
I do remember the French family then owned and operated the tea plantation next to the airstrip. I believe their name was Bischtene (sic).
Mike, I was radio operator for Tm 38 from Feb 63 until Feb. 64 when I rotated out for Conus. Also my 3 year enlistment was up. As you stated compound could not be defended. We had a squad of Montagnards for secuity. ( 8 guys) i believe our unit at that time was 6 officers and 3 en listed. we were the only Americans in the area. There was a team at Di Linh but I don’t remember the number. Our supply was at Dalat and our net control station was at Ban Me Thut.
Tom,
Somehow I missed your message of last year. I might of been your replacement as I am not completely sure when I was sent TDY to Bao Loc. I cannot recall the names of any of the team but I do recall that the Major-in-charge allowed one the French ladies to spend many nights in his room but demanded the rest of the team not to fraternize with any local women, which led to a great deal of grumbling. The medical sergeant was a really good guy and the operations sergeant was really intense. The operations sergeant and one of the officers were awarded CIB’s just after I arrived there for an encounter with the VC while on patrol. I also recall going with the medical sergeant to a bar, in Bao Loc, owned by a retired French NCO. I always wondered what happened to the bar owner when the NVA took over. Shortly prior to my departure the Gulf of Tonkin incident took place and I had to decipher the encrypted message that was sent to the team regarding same.
Mike Hoke
My father James B. Jones was the medical advisor assigned during your time. I have a photo that has Mucelli, Sharp, Von Meter, Clark, Henry and Lai in it on a bridge. We have been going through his documents from Vietnam and have letter from Vietnamese nuns to my mother. My father is in hospice care because of a fall from Parkinson’s caused by agent orange. I’d love to know if you remember him.
My father is Ham Henry and I have had the honor to meet Maj Mucelli. I am compiling a family book on my father service. If you could send me the any photographs of my father or the area of operations (AO) I would greatly appreciate it. mikey_ch47@yahoo.com
I was in Bao Lac 30 Jan 1967 to 9th of Jan 1968. Was Sr Radio operator. Memory is not what it used to be, hard to remember a lot of the time spent in Bao Lac. When I was a short-timer, everyone signed an Advisory Team paper and I came across a couple of names that are on this website, James Christiano and Neil Olsen, Hoping maybe you guys can jar my memory. I’m glad to see some of the old team is still around.
Thanks, hoping to hear from you,
Woody
Woody its been a while and now that I have lots of time I am going over some of the messages on the MACV sight .I just put 2 2 together I was the guy that replaced you . If I remember correctly you busted you leg rappelling down the side of a mountain is that you ?
My Email is jim@parsinc.com
I knew Cpt Varona and the SFC Sergeant. whlo worked with him. I also knew Maj Mucelli.
I was tdy to Advisory Team 38 for three months in mid-1964 as team radio operator.
Hi Joe, My roomate Twoomy was also Air Force grnd radio. I got to the compound in April 67. Not sure but I beileve Twoomy was already there. I was an MI Analyst doing grnd and air surveillance. Have you heard anything about the compound or any of the guys that served there? Tried to locate it on google maps but no luck. That town really changed in 48 years.
I lived at the compound Nov 65 to Nov 66. I was Air Force grnd radio operator working with FACs at that time. On ground and on recon missions.
Is there anyone out there that served at the Bao Loc compound between April 67 and April 68? My memory is failing me and I can only remember the last name of one person from the compound who lived in my building which I believe was Twoomy. I recall my captain (name unknown) was shot down while doing surveilance in a Bird Dog. I used to fly with him and highly respected him for his expertise and courage. There were 2 gunships assigned to Bao Loc and I had the privledge of flying in them with some great and maybe a little crazy pilots on intel missions. The compound where I lived was a couple acres at best with a few concrete buildings built by the French. I was transferred to Pleiku in February or March and always hoped everyone made it out of there OK after Tet.
Dennis, email me at olseneil (at) comcast.net.
Dennis I was on the Team from June 67 till Feb 68. The Air Force captain that you talk about was Cap Reed he along with the CIA person went down together . And when the Air force sent in help the c130 they sent also crashed . I can also remember flying with the pilots in the choppers they were the greatest. I was the field and house RTO . Another person on the team was Lt Michael Thorp Great s2 guy .
Enjoy
Jim I have a picture of Cpt Reed in the mess hall along with several other officers, enlisted guys, and a movie star, name also unknown, who visited the compound for a day. Would like to know any of their names who you can identify. Also have several pic’s of the compound along with several questions. Can you email me at paten138@aol.com Thx. Dennis
Will do next week when I get to my desktop computer. Happy New Year
Jim, I was one of the gunship pilots from the 155th Assault Helicopter Company out of Ban Me Thout. I spent a good bit of time at Bao Loc during the January to November 1967. I remember the two FAC pilots shot down during my time there. We were, also, shot down, as I remember, southeast of Bao Loc in June or July. We had a LT assigned to MACV with us as an observer. None of us got hurt, we apparently caught a VC unit resting and think we tore them up pretty good. I will be making my fifth trip back over next month and will make one more effort to find the old compound. The AG College and Catholic church are still there, but cannot find or recognize any of the buildings in the compound. Remember the great meals there, especially the pies the cooks made. I am going to copy this same information to a couple other people on this post, also. Good to connect with some of you guys. Al Fitzgerald Falcon 10
I was wounded in the hills around Bao Loc on Dec 13, 1968 and was brought out of the Jungle via Medivac on a sling. Any idea who the air crew or unit was that brought me out early Dec 14th?
I was with the 155th from Dec 66 to Dec 67. Most of the guys I knew would have been gone by December 68. Sorry I could not be of assistance. Take care, Al
My father was the medical advisor assigned to the team from June 66 to June 67. Sgt. James Jones. He passed away Monday night from a fall from Parkinson’s (from agent orange), we have been going through his photos from that time period and have several and a letter from Catholic nuns.
Hello, Al.
Hope you’re well. My father served in Di Linh with MIPHAP Team 4. He served there from 1969 – 1969. Was considering going back for a visit but I assume all the landmarks are built over. He used to be stationed in an old french house there. It was mortared a few times. Not sure if it’s still standing. You mentioned going back a few times. Is there much left of where the Hostpital was or any other landmarks? Wanted to visit and take pictures of Di Linh for him. He recently underwent a liver transplant and I wanted to show him photos of the place he served. Thank you for your time. My email is tggilmartin@gmail.com
Hi Tom,
Just read your post from two years ago. I am sure I would have met your father briefly in Boa Loc as he and his team was getting ready to rotate back to the states in May of 69. Our Milphap team had arrived one day and your dad’s team left the next so we didn’t have much time to get to know each other. We had a doctor and 2 corpsman assigned to Di Linh, Dr. Roger Benson, and corpsman Thiess and Anderson. The remainder of our team stationed in Boa Loc consisted of 2 doctors, 9 corpsman, 1 medical service officer and myself, a dental technician. I do have some pictures of the hospital in Di Linh where your father would have worked so if you would like some pictures please let me know. I traveled to Di Linh on a regular basis to treat the Montanyards and Vietnamese in the hospital and on Medcaps. Sometimes I was unable to get back and would stay over night at the Macv compound which used to be a French house. I have tried getting in touch with old team members over the years but have not had much success. I was able to find that a couple of them have passed since we returned in 1970, Dr. Benson, from Chicago and HM2 Ron Fisher from Anderson, SC. If anyone has any suggestions about how I may find information on others could you please let me know. Thank you.
Pete
Hi Pete, I remember Dr. Benson from Chicago. I would go out to the Hamlets or bunkers depending where you were standing with him. I was a draftee with the signal corp in Di LInh. My friend Bob Wyant from West Virg. always talks about him. I remember the 2 medics but not their names. They built us new hutches for the signal and 1 for the Mat team. A shower and mess hall in Di Linh. I found all that pretty amusing
Hello, Milt. Thanks for your reply. I would love to put you in contact with my father. He is still alive and has been interested in meeting other veterans from Di Linh. I recently visited Di Linh and was a able to locate the old hospital (still standing) but the MACV house is gone. A few old structure still remains and the village still feels like a village. I was also able to meet some orphans my father knew and a Montagnard hospital assistant. LMK if you’d like to see photos and connect with my father. My email is tggilmartin@gmail.com
Hey, Pete. Hope you’re well. I’m gathering some emails of men who served in Di Linh at the same time as my father. He’s interested in connecting and I can set up an email group. Also, I have about 200 photos digitized from his time there in “68-“69. And photos and videos of my time in Di Linh in 2017. Send me an email if you’d like to connect. tggilmartin@gmail.com
I believe Dr Benson was in Di Linh in 1969 and the 2 medics.I think i knew them
capt sawyer, was the fac, i was with the 1/44/23arvn
You may be referring to Hillard “Hilly” Wilbanks…killed in action and was awarded the Medal of Honor. His O 1 was still visible when I first arrived in summer of ’68. It was a marker for us while searching the NE portion of the province. The plane disappeared several months after I started flying the area.
Patrick,
Capt.Wilbanks was my FAC 1965-66, at Bao Loc. We lived with the MACV team 38, (about 10-12 Army guys) and did our best to keep the compound safe and the roads clear. I was AF radio operator (Packrat). Operated at Vietnamese sector headquarters, and flew with Capt. Wilbanks during air strikes, photo recon and search and destroy missions. Capt. Wilbanks was one of the best people I have ever met. I know his plane went down after I left Vietnam.
Joe Gallo
Joe Gallo,
I am Pat Wilbanks DeWitt, sister of Capt. Hilliard A. Wilbanks, Medal of Honor recipient posthumously in 1968. I have pictures of you that my brother took while you both were stationed at Bao Loc sometime in 66-67 timeframe. He documented the info on the back of the pictures. Would like to share with you. Contact me at pwdewitt@gmail.com.
Pat I would love to see them. Jim@parsinc.com
Jim CHRISTIANO team 38 66/67
info 1970
Looking for Jack Lenigan. Lost track of you after you left Gia Nghia.—–Don Billings
Looking for anyone who served with my father Gary DeVallance.
I have a picture I believe is of your father shortly after his last mission prior to leaving Bao Loc
If you are referring to Gary DeVallance, it would be great to see. If so, then I guess you served with him and I have some of his photos from that time and please let me know how to be in contact to see the photo.
Guys, I was not associated with you MACV folks, but “lived” in Bao Loc and Di Lihn as part of E troop, 17th Cav, 173 ABN BDE. We had the gun jeeps that ran convoys in the area as far as Phan Rang and the pass on the other end of Bao Loc. Cant find anybody from my unit but stumbled upon this site. Wonderful!!
I would appreciate any pictures from that area from June 68-May 69, or,actually, any time frame. I am Digiterrry at netscape dot net. Yes, three “R”s in digiterrry!
God bless you all and welcome home!! Thank you all!
Terry
Hi George. Can you email me the picture you mentioned of my father? It would be appreciated. If so, use drdbdev@gmail.com