MACV Team 41 – Kon Tum.
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 41 located in Kon Tum.
MACV Teams
Military Assistance Command Teams Vietnam
MACV Team 41 – Kon Tum.
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 41 located in Kon Tum.
MACV Teams 
Looking for people at fob2 February 1968.
Hi Tim. I was with MACV Team 41 abutting the FOB2 compound Aug68-69. I was an RTO for RF/PF forces in the AO from Kontum to Ben Het. On one mission we got a FOB2 medic to join us along with 4 of his montagnard mercenaries. You were great guys, I hope you link up with your guys.
Hello I’m looking for some information about My great uncle William (bud) golden there’s stories about him that match some sog stories and Our family don’t know the truth because when he was with us he never talked about his time in the army unless he was drinking which was rare for him
Greetings brothers. It has been many years since returning from Dakto MATT service and Kontum.
At times, it was just yesterday, but my RVN ended in May 1971. Best Wishes to all. Lt Bill Horn
Greetings Bill. This site has been fairly quiet for the last two years. I was the RTO for 41 Kontum Province HQ and went out with RF/PF 68-69. Province CO was Col Whelan. Always good to hear from brothers who walked the highlands
Hi Andre,
I was the team leader of a MAT in 1970, in Kontum; however, I don’t remember the number of the MAT. Mine covered the Day Bla bridge for a few months, and we moved to other locations from time to time during the 13 months I was in RVN. Any information you might have about that era — especially about my interpreter, Plan Tu, would be appreciated.
Best,
Philip Lamade
Correction: Phan Tu (with a hat over the A and a whisker on the U. By 1971, I had returned stateside and was best man at the wedding of my assistant team leader in Long Island.
Lamadep@yahoo.com
Hi Phil. I went to the Dak Bla pontoon bridge many times. There was always an orphan boy there who would wash our Jeep at the river for a few piasters. I don’t recall the interpreter names. Unlike you I got different interpreters when the MACV training officers took a fresh RF/PF unit in the field.Our medic came from the SF camp B24 attached to our old French compound. The most frequent officers were Cpt Brown and Lt Mike Postiglione aka Posti.I left in August 69 so you arrived after me.The last name of the interpreter we had in the TOC behind the Province HQ in town was Lo.
I am not a brother, but am a sister. I nursed at Minh Quy Hospital with the amazing Dr Pat Smith. 1969-70. We have communicated before Bill I think – some time ago. Still here to tell the tale. My e mail address is annewatts67@aol.com I’d like to send an extract from my book Always the Children. You can send to anyone you think will recognise the incident I describe in Kontum.. We all survived Covid – and aging. YAAY. Well done everyone. Still lots of stories waiting to be told.
Anne Watts
British nurse.
Hello Anne. I visited your hospital in Kontum late 68 and was really impressed how you all cared for the Montagnards, my favorite people of Vietnam. I will look for your book. Thanks for being a good soul for these great people whose villages I visited often and spent many nights with them. They were literally caught between a rock and a hard place as they say in the US. Stay well.
Yes, the children. I was a supporter of the Vinh Song Orphanage when in Kontum District 68-69 and still do now. Pat Smith was legend when I was there.
Hi Rick, I read your comment. I’m trying to figure out how to post a chapter from my book which describes an ‘evening out’ in Kontum.(1969) If I post it on the MACV site I’m sure some of you will recognise it – maybe were there that night. In any event it is a very funny account which you will enjoy.. My tech skills are not great, but I know how to attach it to an e mail address – but cannot seem to do it to the whole MACV site. HELP.
Per the website guidelines, excerpts from books or memorials are not permitted
Anne,
I found your book and have read the Kontum section. Well done, it certainly brought back some memories. Being out west at Kontum District HQ, we didn’t get into town much for the festivities, especially after dark. I was there Jul 68 to Jul 69 so believe we had some overlap. Seems long ago for sure. Anyway, I enjoyed that part of the book so will no doubt read the rest of it as well.
thanks
Rick Nelson
In 1969/70 I was a young lieutenant assigned to a MAT in Kontum. Recently I found your book on Amazon and look forward to reading it. Seeing your story in print reminded me of arrangements that were made made (by the hospital?) for a young boy — supposedly a son of the local VCI official — who was referred to the US Hope for correction of his cleft palate. Crazy times.
Hi Philip, Good to read your post. Yes, crazy days indeed, but unforgettable the life lessons learned weren’t tey?
I remember several children being referred to the Hope for hare lip and cleft palate surgery. I am about to have my 3rd book published. Two media contacts here in UK are planning a series of podcast interviews. They would like to interview veterans who were in the Kontum area and were familiar with the astonishing work done by Dr Pat Smith. Would you be up for that?
Anne Watts e mail below.
Anne, please consider putting in a word for these good folks during your interviews.
friendsofvso.org/
I’ve been supporting them for a few years now and am impressed with their work. While stationed at Kontum District during 68-69 I had my hometown church send them a big care package.
thanks
Rick Nelson
Good to hear from you, Anne. Thanks for the opportunity to share some memories about my assignment in Kontum; however, so much time has elapsed that I’m doubtful of my ability to add to the body of knowledge already assembled.
I don’t remember the name of the major at MACV District HQ in Kontum nor the names of my MAT teammates in the field. On the other hand, I vividly recall drinking rice wine at nearby Montagnard villages and perspiring profusely when enjoying a few bowls of pho with my interpreter. The boy with the cleft palate and the captured NVA flag are other distant memories.
Incidentally, I have the highest regard for British nursing sisters. Many years after Vietnam I married one whom I had met in Saudi Arabia.
Hi Anne – I was assigned to SF B24 adjacent to the MACV Team 41 in 1970. I met Dr. Smith and ran some errands for her. When I left the service I returned to Kontum and volunteered at the Minh Quy hospital. I traveled to several leaper colonies with Dr. Smith. I remember a male nurse that traveled with us, his name was Tom. Tom was recruiting boys from the various villages to bring them to Kontum and teach them medical triage. I married a Vietnamese woman and we left for Saigon. The last time I saw Dr. Smith was on a plane, with her two adopted boys, headed back to the states.
Hi Ann
My name is John Browne. I was at the CCC camp from August 1970 to March of 72.
Spent a little time at the second Minh Quy hospital, mainly delivering (losing) medical supplies and very briefly as a patient. Worked with and shared a few beers with Tom Coles and met Pat Smith a couple of times.
I returned to Kontum in 2019 and continue to support the Vinh Son orphanages there.
Don’t have a lot to contribute but let me know if I can help.
Hope to get back next year.
John
I am posting this announcement of the recent passing of Lou Abrams (June 29, 2022). Lou was on MAT 41 during 1970. I was Infantry OCS classmate of Lou’s. About one half of our OCS Class served as MAT Team Leaders in Vietnam (1969-1970). I have read some of the posts on this site and see that Lou kept in contact with some other veterans who were with MAT 41.
I am the class historian for my OCS group and I would appreciate any stories or antidotes any of you had of Lou on your service together. I was a MAT Team Leader in III Corps, MAT-59 (Binh Long Province)
You may want to include your email address for responses
for responses, my e-mail address is: jntinoz@yahoo.com
I may have posted this info already. Brain injury & memory loss gets in the was of knowing. But, I have a wonderful report. Troung and I spent a year as a two man team (Troung). Me the Phoenix/Phung Hoang Advised and Truong my interpreter. From Kontum to the Toumoerung from Dakto and west, such was our AO. I was yanked out just before the invasion. I long thought Truong was dead, captured yes but alive. A couple of years ago we relinked beer my son met him during a business trip to VN DouG Dopp, Dakto 71-71
a silrnt moment in memory and honor of all those who served died , wounded or remain missin in the Vietnam war and do remember this u r always in my heart and my mind forever
I have a question regarding MACV. Does anyone know if in 1968 there was a MACV-SOG compound or FOB 2 there or would that have been called CCN during 68-69? Just curious if there were recon teams in Kontum during Tet Offensive and following year?
Sorry meant to say ‘CCC’ instead of CCN
Yes. CCC was in Kontum in 68 and 69. See John Plaster’s excellent book on SOG and 5th Special Forces
Yes, just outside the city with the highway to Pleiku running right through it.
Called FOB2 until 12/1/68 (?) then CCC
Yes, it was Detachment B24
Hello, I am looking for information regarding CPT Gerald Carl Capelle, he was killed in action and apart of TM 41. My email address is Christophercapelle2@gmail.com. Thanks
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about purpose lyrics.
Regards
My name is John Browne I served with 5th SF Group (MAC SOG) at the CCC compound in Kontum from August 1970 to March 1972. I just returned from a trip to Kontum and found the old Minh Quy hospital in a sad state of disrepair and occupied by a small group of North Vietnamese squatters (according to the guide). I also met two former nurses from Minh Quy, Sister Gabrielle and Sister Francios, who currently work at two of the Vinh Son orphanages in Kontum. I knew Tom Cole PA, and visited the hospital a number of times during my tour with supplies and transferring Montagnards dependents of our soldiers to Minh Quy for inpatient care.
I read with interest in your posts that there seems to be a continued effort to support the Minh Quy hospital, but from what I saw, it is no longer a functioning hospital. Can someone clear this up for me?
Thanks
John I know a Tom Cole. He was a CSM. Your Tom and my Tom may not be the same person. His Eng Brg was the one that built the Dak To air field in 1967 when the 1st Cav was there. Welcome home Brother.
John, I contacted Kerry Huebeck, who spent years working at Minh Quy, and is married to a Montagnard woman from Ban Me Thuet. He has been back to Kontum and remains in contact with many of the staff.
After reading your posting, I contact Kerry and he sent me the following reply: Greetings, Dom,
Good to hear from you.
I was intrigued by the communication from John Browne. I believe there may have been some miscommunication in the past or the possibility that memory here and there got befuddled.
Minh Quy Hospital basically ceased to exist when Drs. Edric Baker and George Christian were taken prisoners by the NVA in March (I think), 1975. They were released several months later after being held in the jungle. The hospital grounds were taken over by the NVA and possibly used as a hospital for a short period, but later were used for military housing. Mi-Lai and H’Krih, my wife and daughter, and I were able to visit Kontum in 1994. Although other previous staff members had visited Viet Nam, I believe we were the first to be able to visit Kontum and the sisters and what Montagnard staff we could find. Although we spoke with some of the guards at the site (who had difficulty believing we were American), we were not allowed into the grounds of the former Minh Quy. I believe it was 1995 when we had a reunion of Minh Quy staff in Washington state. At that time plans were made to see what kind of assistance we could provide to those indigenous staff in the Kontum area and Montagnards in general remaining in the highlands.
Later, Asia Connection, Inc. (ACI) was formed, headed up by Bill Rose. ACI, a 501(c)(3), continues to provide assistance to Montagnards in the area. John Havican took over leadership of ACI following Bill’s death in January 2013. Since John’s retirement from nursing in St. Louis, he has been able to spend quite a bit of time in Viet Nam, not only providing assistance in Kontum but also with other projects in Qui Nhon and other areas of the country. Ya Gabrielle, who was imprisoned for several years for working with the Americans and who is over 80 now continues to hold village clinics and work with other projects. The sisters also work with a couple orphanages.
John Havican and Kate Day, a New Zealander working on a book about Edric Baker, were able to visit the grounds of old Minh Quy last year. Let me know if you don’t have John’s email address. He would be able to give you much more up-to-date information regarding those in Kontum. So, in short, Minh Quy Hospital, as such, has not existed since the end of the war, but Ya Gabrielle and others continue doing what they can to assist the Montagnards (as well as Vietnamese) in the area, so I believe you might be able to say that the spirit of Minh Quy lives on.
John Browne might be interested in obtaining a copy of Pat Smith and the Minh Quy Experience: tending the Montagnards in a time of war. I believe it is available on-line. I’m still embarrassed about omitting your name from the list of “Friends of Minh Quy”. I beg your forgiveness.
Oh, and by the way, would you happen to have any contact information for Chris Crowley? I was never able to get in touch with him after we left VN, and I owe him a big “Thanks” for helping the family in the last days before the evacuation.
Best wishes to you and yours, and let’s definitely stay in touch,
kerry
…and Happy Easter to you!
Dominic- lengthy notes between individuals are best sent directly to each other.
I’m not complaining about the “lengthy” notes. Some interesting info in there.
Thanks for clarification. I was with a small group from FVSO (Friends of Vinh Son Orphanages) 2 weeks ago and we met Sisters Gabrielle and Francios who were at Minh Quy in 1970-1972 when I was in Kontum at MACV SOG. I understand that the building they were working out of was the temporary hospital in the old school in Kontum during that time. They are amazing women and are still actively involved in running the orphanages. And Sister Gabrielle makes some great banana wine!
I saw the water systems that have been installed at some on the orphanages, an am interested in knowing of any other volunteer work being done in the Kontum area.
Thanks again for the info.
John B
Is this site still active? I am a former member of Team 41 1968-1969. I want to post an update on a team member but can no longer find a way to post a comment. Thanks for your help. Andre Groenhoff andreinfla@msn.com
Go to the Team page. If you are responding to a comment already posted, there is a “Reply” word to click on. If you are making an original comment, go to the end of the page and put it in the “Leave a reply” box
Hello All, hope this finds you well. I recently learned that we lost two team members, Lt Michael Postiglione (“Posti”) (2015) who I went on ops with, a great guy, and Charles Schwiderski (Team 24). May they rest in peace. Charles passed away this June and I found some of his writings. One in particular, written in 2007 was a short account of the battle of Chi Ro Bu Mountains where he and three Scout Companies ran into the 24th NVA Regiment. For those not suffering from PTSD I highly suggest you read this well written and harrowing story. Charles won some awards for his writings. Stay well my friends.
Andre, I recognized your name here, from the list of those who left 5-star reviews of my book, PAWNS OF PLEIKU. Thanks much for that, those kind words helped to alleviate the fear of publishing one’s book. My team was MAT 37 (57 in the book, written as a novel, with names, etc. changed) under Pleiku MACV HQ Advisory Team 36, May 1970- April 1971. Our team’s AO was the northern 3/5 of Pleiku Province, bordering Kontum Province. Several ex-MAT guys have told me my book “finally explained to my family and friends what we did over there.” That’s all worth it in itself.
I was in kontum 69 70 71,I ran the signal compound mess hall and I supported the MACV teams with a lot of food items.I would like to have contact with some.
John, Contact me at sherman1@flash.net re my sog database. or 281-879-5688
Hey Rick Nelson, we’re you there with Maj Dixon as the distric commander?
Yes, I was there when Maj Dixon got there. Also served with him in Alaska later on and ran into him a time or two after we were both retired.
Hi Rick. Was Major Dixon the replacement for Xray 6 (dont recall his name) who was killed when he returned to Dakto from Kontum late afternoon and his jeep flipped over? NCO driver survived. Guessing late August 1968. Do you recall his name?
Although Bill Rose wasn’t a member of Team 41, many of you knew him or say him. He lived in Dak To/Tan Canh for years with VNCS. After the fall of Dakto in ’72 he moved to Kontum and took a position at Pat Smith’s Minh Quy Montagnard Hospital. Bill was instrumental in setting up a Friends of Minh Quy and later Friends of Kontum non-profit which still operated today and provides funding and support to Minh Quy hospital. Sadly, Bill passed away two years ago.
I just got on the side. I was assigned to CORDS in Sep 68 and left about 6 months later. I worked for Dexter “Dick” Campbell and Dave Weaver. Dick worked out of the Embassy House in Kontum, and Dave and myself had the Embassy Annex house. Dick was a retired SGM and exSF, while Dave was a long time agency employee. This was my 2nd tour, the first was with Recon 1/8th Inf, 4th ID. I did a third tour with team 42. I end up doing 22 years and retired a MSG. Let me know if you knew them. Thanks Sam Diamond
Sam, I don’t think we met in Kontum. I arrived in B-24 late Jan, just when TET was moping up. I do remember the names you mention, but never really knew them. I remember a Rudy Hall being part of the group you mentioned. Unfortunately, I was told Rudy died in a helo crash in Thailand flying for the DEA or some similar agency.
Bill Rose is mentioned, along with his photo, on page 35 of the book: “Pat Smith and the Minh Quy Experience.” Below is a link to the illustrated book, “Pat Smith and the Minh Quy Experience,” with a short history of Minh Quy Hospital, and its founder, Dr. Pat Smith, who served the Montagnards in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam from 1959 – March 14, 1975.
Pat Smith and the Minh Quy Experience
blurb.com/b/5358358-pat-smith-and-the-minh-quy-e…
A preview of the entire book is available for free at the link. You can also view each page in full screen and just click on each page to advance through the book.
Thanks. I Hilary sent me a copy of her book a few years ago. Its a very nice tribute to Dr. Smith and the staff of Minh-Quy. I’m also in contact with Kerry Hubeck. For those interested there is a foundation Asia Connection which channels funds and supplies to Minh-Quy in Kontum. They have a website and a link for donations. Dom
Dominic,
I read your posting regarding Bill Rose who worked at Dr. Pat Smith’s Minh Quy Hospital which served the Montagnards in Kontum Province. I first learned about Dr. Pat Smith, and her hospital, from Steve Dratter, who served in Kontum with MACV on MAT II-16 from May to Dec 1970. I was surprised to learn that no book had been written about Dr. Pat Smith and Minh Quy Hospital. She served the Montagnards of Kontum Province for 16 years, from 1959 – March 14, 1975. I got in contact with Bill Rose, and we worked together in gathering material for a book, which was published in 2014, after Bill’s passing. Bill is mentioned (along with his photo) on page 35 of the book: “Pat Smith and the Minh Quy Experience.”
Also, I can share with you some digital photos of Minh Quy Hospital, and its staff, which were taken by Dr. James L. Tuohy, who was a volunteer physician at Minh Quy Hospital from October 1970 until March 1971, while Dr. Pat Smith was in the USA during that period; along with some digital photos of a meeting Dr. Pat Smith had with President Richard Nixon, and Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson from Washington State, which took place in the Oval Office of the White House on November 24, 1970.
My email address is: sepalmj@aol.com and my landline phone: (253) 863-5216
I met Dr. Smith while serving with the 5th SFG/B-24 in Kontum in1970. I used to pick up supplies and deliver to the Minh Quy Hospital. After leaving the army, I returned to RVN to volunteer with Dr. Smith at the Minh Quy Hospital. I don’t remember the names of her staff anymore. Remember one male nurse that was training Montagnards in first aid and triage. Dr. Smith’s biggest problem was convincing the village elders to get patients to the hospital while there was a chance to save them.
FYI – I spent a few months with MACV Tm 51 in Bac Lieu just before leaving the army.
Dennis, our paths must of nearly crossed as I was the B-25 S-5 from 68 – Feb. 70. In March of ’70 I returned with USAID/CORDS as the refugee advisor and remained until Oct 1974. I knew Bill Rose and many of the staff at Minh Quy very well and assisted in their evacuation during the 1972 offensive. D
Correction of my type: B-24, Kontum
Hi Dominic – Yes we must have crossed paths. I was assigned to the 403rd SOD at B-24 in late January 1970.
Was Bill Rose the male nurse that I remember? The last time I saw Dr. Smith was on a flight headed for the states after her evacuation from Kontum in 1972. She had her two adopted Montagnard sons with her. I lost track of her until around 1992. I found her at Washington State University where she was retired and doing emeritus work. One of her sons is a dentist and the other a concert pianist.
She inspired me to return to school. By the time I finished my PhD in Laboratory Medicine it was too late to return to Vietnam. She was a one-of-a-kind lady.
Will you be attending the Counterparts meeting in Houston this April?
Dennis
I’m sure we met or at least saw one another crossing the compound to the club area. Bill wasn’t a nurse, but the administrator at Minh Quy. Before that, he was in Tan Canh/Dak To with VNCS. I know the male nurse you are referring to, but his name escapes me. Others at Minh Quy were Kerry Hubeck. You may be thinking of Tom Coles, who was an SF medic before going to Minh Quy. Last I communicated with Tom, back in 1983, he was living in Hawaii and married to one of the other nurses at Minh Quy. As I get on in years (76), I’m losing my recollection for names and places back then. i wish I had kept better notes!! D
Tom is the name… TKx
Hey Dom,
We worked together at B-24 50-plus years ago. I received an email from John Kelson and he asked if I had any idea how to contact you and Google got me here.
I hope you’re doing well and will send me an email. I’m @gmail.com. Mtrost65
Mike Trost
Hi Mike. I’ve changed email a while back. I’d love to hear from you and John. my new email is ddantonio06@yahoo.com my phone number is (919) 4620726
I am the widow of LTC Preston M Ransone, who served in Vietnam. He was not active duty in Vietnam. Preston was with the State Department serving as a refugee advisor in 1969-70 in Saigon & Kontum. He wore bright colored shirts. Preston was a writer & playwright, so he wrote about his time in Vietnam.
Hi, I’m Dominic D’Antonio. I was in Kontum with the 5th Special Forces Group, Det. B-24, Kontum. I knewPreston during his time in Kontum. He was there along with Bill Egan, who passed away about 2 years ago. After my military tours, I joined USAID/CORDS and was the Refugee Advisor in Kontum, the position Preston held.
were u the man who drove the grey car and lived in prefaf near dakla bridge if m not wrong u had a vietnamese girl friend right ? at that time I was S 3 interpreter my boss were cpt Carpenter right and Cpt Charles Cook
Yes, that’s me. I was joined the CORDS team in 1970. I lived in the prefab as you remembered and did have a Vietnamese wife and children who all came to the US with me when I left Kontum in Oct. 1974. I’m still in contact with a lot of the CORDS Vietnamese (Nguyen Lai) and Montagnard (R’Com Gull, Joseph Hyiem,, Tony Ngiu) and many others whom I did letters for and hopefully helped with their ODP applications. I;m retired and live in NC now.
I looked at your picture and I definitely remember you. Where are you living now? its best to contact me using my below email address as I don’t open this site too often. Best regards to you.
Troung! Are you still alive?? I have tried to contact you several times without success. Others might ask how I know you are my Troung. I took your photo, that’s how. Dai Hui
Hi Van Truong Huynh,
I was in Kontum with a Mobile Advisory Team from June 1969 to June/July 1970. For a few months the team was located at the Dak Bla bridge. I wonder if you knew one of my interpreters, Phan Tu — spelled with a hat over the “a” and a whisker on the “u” — whose family, as I recall, was originally from the north. In addition, I think there was a lieutenant Hai, possibly from a family of journalists, with us at the bridge or possibly at a compound adjacent to an artillery compound.
Gary Davis – Don’t remember any names, but served as Air Traffic controller Kontum, Airfield 344th ADD, – April -Sept 1972. Stayed on MACV compound until closed, then in conex on airfield, in bird dog reventment.
Gary,
I trying to find information on events of 5/26/1972 at MACV TM 41.
My phone number s 281-879-5688
Hi Gary, how the hell ya doing? Don’t know if you remember me or not, but I remembered you. This is George Turnage, GCA Repairman that worked with you in Kontum. My phone # is 405 521 0724, hope to here from you soon, have a great day.
My late husband, Preston Ransone, was assigned to Kontum as a refuge advisor with the US State Department. He served in Saigon & Kontum. When he left Korea, he was told because of his hearing loss in training heavy weapons he could not serve in Vietnam. So Preston joined the Army Reserves, learned Vietnamese with the State Department, and served in Saigon & Kontum in 1969-70
Hi Pat, very interesting to hear about Preston. I have ordered his audio cassette on “The Second Team”. I am curious if he wrote or had stories about Kontum in 1969. My family and I lived there in 1969 in Kontum and parents survived the Tet Offensive thanks to the MACV compound.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
carl Lawrence, I was with tm#39 adv tm41 , and kontum district from feb69 to feb 70
Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year to al!
Hello All. I was in Kontum as RTO for Province Team 41 from Aug 1968 to Aug 1969. I lost track of the website we had in 2000, where we posted many stories and photographs for about 5 years. Glad to have this site forwarded by Mike Beall. I was an 11Bravo had radio duty in the Province HQ TOC in town and was a field RTO for numerous Team 24 operations. Greetings to you all. PS any Headhunters from that period on the site?
Remember you well Andre
Good to hear from you Charles. Its been a long time, hope all is well with you. Mike Beall visited me a few weeks ago in Jacksonville FL, was great to see him after 47 years.
Anybody remember COL Oliver Dillard? Believe he left in 1971 as a BG. I was working out of a Nha Trang. Originally assigned to Advisory Team 41, but spent most of my time at II Corp HQ traveling periodically to all teams in II Corp from August 1970 until DEROS in August 1971.
I served under COL Oliver Dillard. He was MACV Kontum Province Senior Advisor based in Kontum. He replaced COL Whelan in mid 1969. I was on MACV Team 41 Based at Dakto District Headquarters as part of seven man advisory team and would get to Kontum occasionally for briefings and in Province R&R. I was a 1 LT with Infantry, Artillery and MI MOS’s from 12/68 – 12/69. Our District Senior advisor was Major Wayne Culp followed by Major Sam Starley.
Norb, must have been nice to have a team so big. I was Asst Dist Advisor& Phung Hoang Adv in Dakto 71-72. We were a huge 2 man team then Doug Dopp 24cnc227@gmail.com
Norb Weller………. I see your comment from 2016. I am Jim Probsdorfer, who in 1969 as a Captain also served in Dakto, MAT 70, under Culp and Starley. After about 8 months working out of a bunker in Kon Horing with my team and Captain Chi of the RF Battalion, I moved to District HQ and worked there planning some of our artillery targets, air recons, patrols, etc. Hope you are doing well.
Terry, I served under Col Dillard on Team 41 from Dec 69 to Oct 70. He became a two star General ultimately and died about two years ago. I had the opportunity to have dinner with him about 8 years ago near his home in Michigan. A truly great man and great leader. Welcome Home!
Yes, I know Col. (later BG) Dillard when I was the Team 41 Refugee Advisor. I finished my military tours in Kontum with 5th SFGA and came back immediately to Team 41 as the Refugee advisor, replacing Irv Hamburger. BG Dillard returned to VN as DepCords in Saigon. I stayed on until 1974 and became the CORDS only civilian advisor and then after the cease fire, SAAFO Chief, (again only US civilian in Kontum). Ollie was a great friend. He put me up at his trailer in MACV/Saigon a few times. Last time I spoke with him he was living in Greensboro, NC, but had trouble remembering people and places. Not sure if you remember me. Dominic
Reading some comments below, I learned BG Ollie Dillard passed away. Not sure of the date, but it must have been in 2016 or 2017. If anyone knows the date, please let me know. He was a great leader, patriot and person. D
Scott, BG Dillard was quite a no nonsense boss. I was Dakto Advisor when we were Team 41
Scott,
I arrived at Team 41 in June of 1970. I believe you were the resident guitar player at the time. I was a RF/PF, PSDF guy on the Province team. Some other team members at the time were Mike Shane, Frantic Furman, Jim Griswold, Ken Mock, Bob Golden, Bud Harmsen, Dave Leslie, Bob Roskens, Jim Spencer, Ernie Brackett, John Chickenman50 Sorakopf, Tom Salamoni, Lou Abrams, Joe Ryan, etc…. I’m sure I have at least 1 picture of you. Hope you are doing well.
Bill Pilston
Hi Bill, How nice to hear from you! I am alive and well in Redding, Ca. about 150 miles north of Sacramento. I am in touch with several on our old Team 41:Frank Wise, Lou Abrams,Dale Wicks and John Finlaw. Dale Wix is trying to set up a site online where we can drop some of our old slides and pictures of our time together there. I am in process of digitizing my old slides at this moment. When I get something set up I’ll get in touch with you via this website. It would be great to share some old memories of 50 years ago! Best, Scott
Chickman praughker chicken to the rescue – good words that always make me smile. Doug Dopp
Dakto 71-72, maseru15
I was with Team 41 from Jun 70 thru May 71. I knew all of the people you mentioned. I still have pictures of a lot of them. I spent most of my time on the road with Bud Harmsen. He was the RF/PF advisor and I was RF/PF/PSDF. Chickenman 50 was John Sorakopf (sp?). Still in touch with Steve Dratter. He was seriously wounded 12/6/70 at Dak Wak.
Roger that…. I remember Col Dillard from Kontum!
Scott, I remember you from my eleven months in Kontum/Dakto. Cheers
Yes, I know Col. (later BG) Dillard when I was the Team 41 Refugee Advisor. I finished my military tours in Kontum with 5th SFGA and came back immediately to Team 41 as the Refugee advisor, replacing Irv Hamburger. BG Dillard returned to VN as DepCords in Saigon. I stayed on until 1974 and became the CORDS only civilian advisor and then after the cease fire, SAAFO Chief, (again only US civilian in Kontum). Ollie was a great friend. He put me up at his trailer in MACV/Saigon a few times. Last time I spoke with him he was living in Greensboro, NC, but had trouble remembering people and places. Not sure if you remember me. Dominic
Hi Dom, Saw your post here and thought I would jot a note. I remember the prefabs well and of course our leader, Ollie Dillar. My wife and I had the pleasure of spending an evening with him a year or two before his passing. We were visiting the Ford museum in Dearborn and he made some time for us. He wrote a short memoir of his time in the army and asked me to put in something of my time in Vietnam which I did. I was part of S4 and was advisor to the A&L company. What an experience. I am still in contact with Frank Wise , Lou Abrams and , on occasion, Dale Wicks who ran the admin shop. Glad to hear from you!
Scott Boyd
Hey Scott. Sorry it takes me so long to comment on these posts. I have to admit i seldom check the site as I should. Hope you and yours are well. I’m living in NC and have contact with some of the Montagnard and VN staff from the NLD office downtown Kontum.
Hi Dom, Thanks for getting back to me. Had a question for you. One of the Vietnamese that I got to know well was Lou Abrams counterpart, Capt. Quy (pronounced “Kwee”). I have often wondered about him and whether or not he made it. Through your VN contacts, would it be possible to learn anything about him? many thanks and great to hear from you!
Scott
Hey Scott. I’m not sure if the Cpt. Quy I remember is the same person who was a close friend. Unfortunately, my friend was killed driving down Rt 14 towards Pleiku during the Kontum offensive in “72. He had a brother who was a ranger who was also killed a few years later. Quy left a wife and one small son and mother who lived with them. I’m thinking they were not the same. I hope its not the same person I knew. I have contact with Mr. Lai, the NLD Admin Assistant and R’Com Gull, my Montagnard interpreter and refugee assistant. I’ll reach out to them and see if they know any more. I’ll let you know what they say. Stay well and safe. D
Thanks for the reply, Dom. I am afraid it is the same guy. I attended several functions at his house which was located near the town cemetery. I know he had a brother who was a ranger because he was there one night for dinner right after he came back from a big battle at Dak Seang.I know he was married but not sure about the son and mother. Quy’s counter part was Lou Abrams and Lou was involved with civil affairs and dropping leaflets for the Phung Huong project (spelling) which I think was to try to get VC to come over to our side. I have taken a picture of a slide I have of Quy that I would like to send you to see if I am right. Not sure if I can send it on this site but send me an email address I can send it to and I will get it right off. We found out later that Quy paid out of his pocket to have guards around his house when we had parties there. Thanks,
Scott
Sure, send the picture to ddantono@nc.rr.com. FYI, I got replies back from both Lai and Gull and both only knew the Quy who my neighbor, so to speak. I’ll let you know if its the same person as soon as I look at him. Stay well and safe. D
I served under major starley from sept 1969 until August 1970. I was 2lt joel Maxwell
Hi Joel, I am , at this moment, digitizing my slides from our time together in Kontum. I have been in touch with Dale Wicks who is attempting to set up a site where we can upload our pictures to share together. That would be one great thing! I am in touch with Dale Wix, John Finlaw, Lou Abrams and Frank Wise. Between us, we could share our old memories and see photos we have never seen before. I will be back in touch when things are set up. Stay well, Scott
Hi there, would it be possible to get a link to your slideshow? We lived in Kontum during this time. I have a few pictures as well I could share. Thanks much, Jon
C olonel Dillard was the chief of Kontum Province.I met him at ft Hood Texas He the was BG and was General Patton asstd 2nd Armor Division.I dont know if he got to be MG or not.
I served in Kontum on MAT II-16 from May to Dec 1970. I served with CPT Simpson, CPT Hodges, SFC Kunz, SFC Hill, SSG Williams, and SGT Marcum. We were mostly at Tri Dao but also at Dak Kam and Trung Hghia. I was with CPT Hodges and SGT Marcum when they were both killed near Dak Wak. 1LT Joe Ryan and I arrived in Kontum at the same time. Joe also lost his life in Kontum in 1971. It would be great hearing from any of you. My e-mail is sdratter@gmail.com
Steve Dratter
I was with Team 41 from Aug 1970 until Jun 1971. I was on the Province Team. I was a RF/PF and PSDF advisor. On Dec 6, Gene Harmsen, about 6 RF/PFs and I were the first team to get to Dak Wak after you were hit. You were so bad that we thought you had died when they put you on the Medivac. I spent Saturday afternoon in the MACV club drinking beer with Cpt Hodges and the next morning helped recover his body. I knew Cpt Hodges, Maj Simpson and had at least met you and Sgt Marcum. I think I also knew Lt Ryan. If I remember correctly, his jeep hit a mine. I believe I escorted his body to Pleiku. Other names I remember are Lt Shane, Lt Sorakopf, Lt Leslie, Ltc Grajales and Doc Jacobs. I’ll have to go through my papers and try to find some other names.
I do remember you and am damn glad you showed up when you did. That took some guts to go back out there. I’ve thought long and hard over the years about that day. I’m pretty sure that the guys who mauled us were still there when you went back out. I saw three NVA soldiers go down into a hole in the ground not 100 feet south of the trail where most of the fighting took place. I’m pretty sure they and their friends were still there when you went back out. I probably didn’t recognize what I’d seen until much later – I was pretty busy at the time. I haven’t been in contact with my old team since I left. Glad to hear Cpt Simpson got promoted. He was a great officer. Glad someone noticed.
well, I’m sure we at least talked on the radio or ran into each other at Kontum Province HQ. I was only up at Dak To a couple of times so the memories are vague at best.
I was a 1st Lt. with MAT Team 41 from April 1970 – April 1971. I was first at Mang Buk for about 3 months. I’m sorry but can’t remember the names of the fine NCO’S that served with me. I then went to another team operating around Kontum. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that remembers me. I have always wondered what happened to our young 10-12 year old interperater, Dray, and our house girl, Chim.
Hey Ken,
I remember you from Team 41. I remember many, many times you and Mike Shane sang the UM fight song to Bud Harmsen. I have pictures of many of the team members including you and Scott Boyd. Also corresponding with Steve Dratter by email. I need to find a way to post pictures. Hope all is well with you.
Bill Pilston
Good to hear from you Bill. Although I would never sing the fight song of the team up north. I grew in Columbus, Ohio was in The Ohio State Marching Band, TBDBITL, and graduated from OSU!
Would love to see your pictures!
I know you and Mike Shane were OSU guys. The version of the UM fight song you sang to Maj Harmsen was very obscene. My email is wpilston@gulftel.com. If I can have your email address, I will be happy to send the pictures.
You are correct and I don’t talk like that anymore. Kenmock03@aol.com
Thanks
I regretfully report the passing of CSM James E Greene of Vernon, TX and Puyallup, WA. He served two tours in RVN, one with Tm 41 in 70-71 I believe as an Intel NCO. He also served in Alaska, Korea and had multiple tours in Germany finishing up at Ft. Lewis, WA. He then worked for WA State Employment as a Veterans employment counselor. It was a nice service at the New Tahoma National Cemetery just east of Seattle, WA.
CSM Jim Greene was the 109th MI Battalion, 9th Inf Div, CSM around 1997-98. He was an outstanding soldier and mentor to all in the battalion and a good friend. He will be missed.
Steve Loving, COL, USA Retired
Thank you Mr. Loving we appreciate the kind words and he is missed dearly.
The Greene and Tankersley family
I was in Kontum as the Refugee and NLD advisor from 1970 – 74., our PSD advisor was Dave Tankersley. Are you related to Dave. He and I spent many evenings hanging out in our CORDS prefab together. A great person and friend. Dominic D’Antonio
Thank you Mr. Nelson, my brother, Mark and my mother Christa, along with myself, thank you for the kind words about my father. He was a great person.
You’re sure welcome Steve. Old Greene was a good friend and whenever we gather with mutual friends we share memories. Best to you, Christa and Mark.
Rick Nelson
I commanded MAT 41 in Vinh Binh Province IV CORPS from Apr 1970 to Apr 1971. I can’t find this team listed on MACVTEAMS.ORG not can I find any contact info. I would like to add this team to the list ( in addition to the team 41 in Kon Tum).
I would like to reach out to SSG David Jenkins, SSG Jim Scaggs SGT Fred Mullins and 1Lt Glen Reside..
should be listed under a District? These Teams aren’t MaT teams best I can tell. Most District teams had multiple MAT teams working for them; should be under Team 40 re; the current listings.
Hi, I served with Team 41 at Kontum District from September, 1970 to August, 1971. I am trying to reconnect with any of my team members that I can find. I served with Capt. Pirerra, Lt. Paling, and Sgt. Mcwhorter among others. Can’t recall the names of others there, including our MATs. Would appreciate any info anyone might have to help. I would like to attend any reunions that might be held. By the way, one of our interpreters, Phong, made it out and lives here in Albuquerque now. I was his sponsor in 1975. Welcome back to all.
Dear Larry D.Beck.Do you know CaPt Simpson (May be his name Capt Bernard Hodges who died in Dak Wak Kontum on 6 December 1970 ? Do you know Lt Martin d.Goslar ? My email is Jeanlevanho@yahoo.com.I work with these advisors in 1970 at Plei O Outpost,Kontum District
U.S. Beck?
Captain Brockley; Captain Simpson? SFC McWhorter, SFC Frost, SFC Priest SFC Bogle – all MAT 39.
I can’t come up with many other names either. I still have a lot of photographs at home.
Your comment is a couple of years old now, but if this catches up with you, I’d like to hear what you’re doing.
I remember Paling too, now that you mentioned him. Baby-San cooking for us. Lot of memories.
William L. Hagan 1LT Inf Retired
Andy and I were OCS, Holabird & MASA classmates. He had Kontum District while had Dakto. We had a hell of a time. I rtnd to Conus just before NVA visited Dakto and the rest of RVN
Larry, surprised to see Andy mentioned in your post. Andy & I went thru OCS, the Bird, & Ft Bragg, & MI Advanced course. Wow, guy I lost touch with Doug Dopp
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I was with Tm 23 at Tan Cahn 67-68. Do you remember the name of the RTO at Tm 23? welcome home brother. GOD BLESS, ron crandall
I was a Team 41 Member Dec 68-Dec69 at Dak To District HQ.North of Tan Canh off HWY 14.
I was there from sept 1969 to March 1970.
JoelWas your District Sr Advisor Major Sam Starley?Norb Weller
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note5, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Yes. We were in Dakto.
Maxwell, Pretty sure we served together on Team 41. I think I have some pics of you somewhere too. Hope you have faired well since all those years ago! Let me know if I have the right guy. I have been in touch with others from our team and I met with Dillard a few years ago before his death. Best to you, Scott
I served under Col Dillard in 1969-1970 in kontum. I am great. Were you in Dakto.
Served under Dillard on Kontum staff. Advisor to A and L company. Served with Dale Wicks Lou Abrams frank Wise Major Riedel Major Johnson. I am sure I have a picture of you somewhere. Send me your email and I’ll send it when Ivey home , Redding, Ca. I can’t remember what job you had over there .
Mr. Boyd,
My father, MAJ Carl F. Snyder served on Advisory Team 41 from Nov 68-Oct 69. Some of the names in his service records look familiar such as Col. Dillard and Lt. Wicks. Just curious if you knew my father.
Sincerely,
Conrad Snyder
I am afraid I did not. I did not arrive until early December 1969. Do you know what position he held there? Colonel Dillard recently died but I had a chance to meet with him before he passed. A very great patriot and man, thats for sure. Dale Wicks was the head of admin for Team 41 and I have contact information for him if you would like. I thank your father for his service to our country and team 41 on this birthday of America. God Bless America! Scott
Mr. Boyd. Thank you for your service. He was an advisor to the Regonial Forces and Popular Forces. He was back home by that time. Sadly he passed away a few years ago. I was just going through his military stuff and wondered about his time in the Republic of South Vietnam. Feel free to pass Mr. Wicks info one. Thanks again.
Conrad, I knew your father. I was a radio operator for Team 41 from Aug 68 to Aug 69. I went on an operation with him where we shared a foxhole at a bridge site when we were mortared most of the night. I wrote about it and will share when I return from Rome in two weeks.
Mr. Groenhoff,
Thank you for reaching out. He told me something about defending a bridge that had been hit by the VC the night before and Col. Whalen chewing his butt out over it. Enjoy your vacation and I look forward to talking more with you soon.
Sincerely,
Conrad.
Connrad I am back from Europe and if you send me an email address I will send you an account of the night your dad and I spent on the bridge site in western Kontum Province. Andre
csnyder17@yahoo.com. Thank you sir. I look forward from hearing from you. I hope you vacation was relaxing and enjoyable.
Waiting for your book, hope we can get together again it was great seeing you.
Scott, what did you do in Kontum. Did we drink together in the bar in the compound.
Yes, we drank at the O club and played ping pong and enjoyed Sat. night steak feeds on the grill outside the club.
Send me pics if you have any. My email is mmaxwell1944@yahoo.com
So here we are 40 years later and the tough memories, so carefully shelved, still can leap upon us with searing intensity. Only those that were in RVN can understand what that war was – Hollywood and books (unless first person authored) can not accurately tell the story. To all: welcome home
hi. cpt dopp u remember me I used to work with u when u were in dakto before 1972 at that time u were DIOCC advisor I was ur interpreter let me rimind u I am the man whose legs are unusual if u receive my message please mail me , here is my email tangoangiang@gmail.com
Cpt Dopp we used to spent over night in montagnard villages in phonix compaign at that time u were Dakto DIOCC coordinator. It’s been over 45 years I dunno whether u still alive or not I hope everything is ok with u now I’m 66 Y/o u left Dakto in the earlier of 1972 Cpt Richard P. cassidy took over ur position & Maj. Bruzina the team leader was still there. I’m looking forward to hearing from u.. best wishes Truong Huynh Van email: tangoangiang@gmail.com
Were you still there in May 1972?
Have some questions if you were,
281-879-5688
Welcome home to all my brothers on team 41, hope all is well with you and yours. It seems like yesterday at times and is hard to believe it was 46 years ago
Welcome home brother
Well, here we are, 46 years later for those of us still around, whom I hope are faring well.
Rick Nelson, Kontum District 68-69.