MACV Team 50 – Cao Lanh
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 50 located in Cao Lanh.
MACV Teams
Military Assistance Command Teams Vietnam
MACV Team 50 – Cao Lanh
This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 50 located in Cao Lanh.
MACV Teams 
I was an Air Force ground radio operator and worked with FAC’s in Cao Lanh from 12/67-5/68.
This is Torry Kirksey, Intel for the FAC’s at Bac Lieu 9/67-9/68. Byron, I would like to make contact with you. Call 209-602-8233. Email tvkirksey@att.net.
Aloha, my Father, LTC Francis Logan, was assigned as the Senior Advisor to the 15th Regiment, 9th Division (ARVN) Jan to Dec 1971. Records indicate Three Sisters and Moso mountains AOR, and Operation Cuu Long SD 9/11 May-Aug 1971. Any additional information from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your service to your nation.
I was on the first helicopter (operations officer) January1, 1968 that landed in Cao Lanh to form the 44th Special Tactical Zone. I was there January-June 1968
Operations officer, 44th Special Tactical Zone January 1969-June 1969
I was 2nd banana on Tm 50 led by Capt. Greg Gile, June ‘70 into early ‘71, when we were reassigned, new faces replacing us. It was just the two of us on ops with the ARVN 41st Ranger Bn. From posts on this thread, the field teams prior to ours seem more robust in terms of personnel, support, and perhaps operations. Was there a “devolvement” of the teams over time that you’re aware of? I can guess, but won’t on this forum. CO during our time was Col. David Hackworth, “How ya doin’, stud?” Thanks for any thoughts.
SPENT 10 MONTHS IN CAO LAHN AS PART OF 107 SIGNAL CO.-MACV TEAM #50 SUPPORT 1968 AND 1969 RAN WIRE ALL OVER THE PLACE THERE
Bruno,
I spent 6 months with Team 50, ending in July 1969. I remember the work that your signal company did and the 100-foot radio tower you maintained in the compound. 1LT Frank Tumminia was a friend and I think commanded the platoon of the 107 that was in Crum Compound. I have recollections of him making sure that the generators on the many hilltop radio relays that you guys maintained got refueled.
Regards,
Dick Dowdell
HI DICK,
NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU,BEFORE THE TOWER WENT UP MORTARS SELDOM HIT THEIR TARGET AFTER THE TOWER THEY NEVER MISSED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
BRUNO
Bruno, Joe Jones here. Was in Team 50 March ‘69-April’70. I was G-2 Air NCO. I remember the mortaring that hit near the 55 gallon drums near the generator. Lots of holes in the barrel.
I was in the bunk room in the upper floor of the building close to the commo shack. The inner wall still had a hole in the wall just above the top bunk. Glad I missed that one!
Were you from
Rhode Island by any chance. I know
There was a
National Guard until there, setting up the new Com Center
HI CARL,
YES I AM FROM RHODE ISLAND.WHEN WE GOT TO VIETNAM WE BUILT A BASE CAMP AND THEN WERE SENT TO DIFFERENT AREAS AS NEEDED AND LUCKY ME ENDED UP IN CAO LANH
Bruno, my wife and I grew up in Cumberland. I went to Brown before getting drafted. By any chance are you still in RI? We live in Franklin, MA, just across the border.
Hello brothers in arms having served with Advisory Team 50. My name is Eric Miller. I was assigned to Advisory Team 50 in early fall 1968 to May 1969.
My post was with the security unit responsible for all bunkers and entry on the parameter of Crum Compound. In brief, we secured the place where most were engaged in logics and intelligence. Having a infantry MOS was a mandate with this assignment. Occasionally we were assigned temporary duty on convoys to Can Tho and surrounding outposts.
Dying did not happen often in this location while it occurred enough to make for nervous nights and long days. I was 21 and saw enough to count my blessings. Then there was the night, late into second guard shift when the commanding officer, a Full Bird Colonel whose name escapes me, came to the front entrance and asked for volunteers. He said he could not order anyone to take the risk that awaited us. The small engineer unit building a new runway outside of Cao Lanh was being overrun. He was going to help and who would go with him.
The next six hours changed my life. My question is to any who might recall that night. Were you one of the few that went that night? A doctor was in the gun jeep with me. There was six of us and the leader all heading into the jungle with no understanding what awaited. I would like to speak to anyone who was amongst us. Or if not, was aware of that mission into the dark nature of what creates images that never abate. Or wish to.
Thank you.
Welcome home.
Eric Miller Advisory Team 50 68-69
My name is James Spanel and was assigned to the 335th AHC out of Dong Tam. I was going through some old stuff and found a newspaper clipping from the “The Daily Dragon” dated 5 July 1971. The article was concerning a Silver Star awarded to Sgt. Larry Bowman and identified him as a member of Territorial Training Team 1 Advisory Team 50. The outpost was listed as being the Hoa Binh Outpost in the Dong Tien District, Kien Phong Province. Sappers overran the outpost subsequently killing SFC Roy Meadows and the RF commanders. A responding medivac helicopter was shot down during the attack. The article further mentions that Navy Black Ponies, Navy Seawolves, Cowboys (my unit) and a Nighthawk fireteam responded. I was the door gunner on the Nighthawk Huey that landed inside of the outpost and grabbed Sgt. Bowman and the medivac crew. I have had the urge to find an after-action report concerning this incident from my unit history and have no idea as to how I should continue my quest for information. If anyone can offer me some direction it would be appreciated.
Mr. Spaniel,
I read your comment on the Tm 50 site even though I was assigned to Tm 84, the province advisory team, across the street from the SF compound in Cao Lanh. Actually, I was a MAT leader and eventually DSA of Dong Tien district in 1969-70. That’s why your note caught my attention. My team was posted in Tram Chim, which was on the Dong Tien canal near the center of the district. That’s where the district headquarters were and we operated out of a mud fort at the west end of the village. The district had formerly been named Hoa Binh. I wonder if the overrun compound you referred to in your note was at Tram Chim. I’ve always wondered what happened out there after I left and am sorry to hear of the action you wrote about. I have a photo of the compound from the air I’d like to show you to see if it looks familiar to you, if you think you’d remember. I can be reached at ttt1945@gmail.com. Thanks.
Terry Turner
I was at the TOC when the TTT1 from Advisory Team 50 was overrun. Two of our team members were lost during the attack. I know that Colonel David Hackworth was the team commander and that an after action report was done by G1… I was in G2 and worked the TOC with our G3 counterparts. After action reports of the incident should fall under Advisory Team 50.
I was in cao lanh around late 1970 and went home around jan 1971. Sugar Bear was my roommate. His first name was Carl. Jack Covey was also a friend.
Yah David his aname is Karl Klark of paramount,CA. This is Jack covey it was really great finding your post. I HVE BEEN WONDERING IF ANY ONE ELSW HAS HAD ILLNESSES POSSILY CONECTED TO NAM. I had an embolism bryind my left knrr last year at te va hospital. Thry amputated my lover left Lahey tried to treat te cutting with heperwn. Who could have known I am allergic to it so, I had a stroke for a while the stroke gave me a bran bleeding Thry said I was dying, but God thought othereiseI livreinthe town share I graduated high school iI stay busy with my grand kids. My phone no. Is 816 896 7627 call or text any time]guess I
,,,ll try to reach sugar bear some time. I WILL TALK TO YOU Lter I’ll friend your brother, always JAck
I was in Cao Lahn from Oct 70 to April 1971. Was a bird dog mechanic for Captain Mike Miller. 3rd Platoon 221st Aviation Company (Shotguns). Platoon Sergeant was SFC Thurman (The Rock) who used to cook ribs every Sunday. Remember Hack used to dwell in the club all the time. Remember Cowboy the Vietnamese guard at the airfield.
Do you remember Warrant Officer Shortridge. He was a bird dog pilot?
Was this possibly the renowned “Shorty,” small, wiry sharp pilot of a light single engine observation plane (Piper?), equipped with air-to-ground rockets (2 on each wing), flew seemingly endless recon missions, was heralded by Col. Hackworth, among others. I flew with him on one of his dawn missions; he spotted a campfire(s) in a clearing in an “active” (VC) area, fired a pair of rockets at it. Not sure if there were secondary explosions, bodies or equipment sightings after the attack. Believe he was in contact with command somewhere. I was the jr. officer in a 2-man MAT (50) at the time, assigned to 41st ARVN Rangers, and with them often on mission. My memory’s shaky about base operations and routines, I remember our patrols better. Hope you’re well.
It was a Cessna O-1 “Bird Dog”. Wonderful plane. Spent some quality time in the backseat of one in 68-69. I left Cao Lanh in July of ’69.
I spent plenty of backseat time in the Bird Dog L-19 and a few in the AF O-1. I don’t remember the pilot’s names.
March 69-April 70
Yes, it is him loved flying with him.
Well, Outstanding!, thank you. A few hours after my initial reply to you, my head still back in Cao Lanh ‘70, it flashed to me that the pilot’s nickname perhaps wasn’t “Shorty” but “Scotty,” does that sound correct, close, true? The fog of 52 years. I can see him pretty clear in his flight suit, his easy-going, low-key manner. The huge benefit for me in flying with him was a low-altitude fly-over of terrain (endless paddies, dikes, canals, now and then a road and hamlet) that I was mostly familiar with, and occasionally baffled by, on the ground; how do we travel, observe, attack, defend, communicate in that completely foreign place? Constant readiness. Fortunately, my team leader and I, were with a veteran (very) ARVN unit that knew the drill, schooled us on their operations and fit us into their needs. We had no US NCOs with us, it was just the two of us, reporting directly to Hack, a time or two at the daily (?) afternoon intel briefings fresh off a mission. Strange days.
I am looking for information on my father who passed away in February 2013. His name is Harvey Leo Cline. He was assigned to the MACV Team 50 in 1971 as a SFC.
My Father was Airborne Green Beret 5th out of Bragg. Served four tours, told me his 1st tour was, unofficial. He was a combat medic, and I’ve found that he was senior medic at Bu Dop in ’69, and from there, I read he was going to be in B-43, but by that time it might have been called, Chi Lang. Can’t get his service records. His name was George F. Gifford,retired Army in ’77 at Ft. Leonard Wood Mo.
Martin: Unless my memory is completely gone, I believe B43 was the SF camp outside Cao Lanh. I was on the opposite side of Cao Lanh with the 41st Biet Dong Quon with SFC Charlie Jaap, Major Harry Thorn and CPT Frank Guilliott. Charlie had a younger brother Billy that was with B43. He later went home on emergency leave and was involved in a car accident. He and Charlie are both gone now but I had an opportunity to meet their sister in Buda, Texas. I gave her pictures of Charlie and only shared positive stories with her.
If anyone remembers or knows where Tony Rossi (West Virginia) or SFC Earnest L Toby are—-I’ll buy you dinner, Toby had been in Can Tho during Tet and was transferred to Cao Lanh during his third or fourth tour. Tony caught shrapnel during an attack on the compound in July 1969. When I returned to the compound I was told he lost an eye and was gone. 2-3 weeks later Tony returns (all his gear was sent home) and he has a half inch scar under on his cheekbone and gets to wear shorts and a T-shirt till he received new uniforms. Great guys—-both.
Mike Cox McKague—RVN: Dec 67-Sep 69
Hi,
Rossi was on CQ duty, the night of a mortar attack. He was running through the compound, yelling “incoming” when a round hit the new concrete sidewalk, right in-front of the latrine! Shrapnel hit his check bone and tumbled upward, toward his eye. Funny, I have a hard time remembering where I left my cell phone, but I remember that night, as if it happened yesterday. I often wish I could go back in time and relive my year with Team 50. Great group of guys.
I was USN on TAD (TDY) to the SF team at Cao Lanh in late ’69 to early ’70. C4/B40 was the company command in Can Tho and A-404 was the team that ran the IV Corps Mike Force and airboats.
Martin Gifford – Looked through some old photos from B43. Your father was a friend of Tm 50 doctor Captain Fagan and Tm 50 medic Martinez, and if Martinez is still around, he may have some photos and other information/history about your father. Your father was the senior medic at B43 but there was another SF medic, I think he was an E-5 or 6. Maybe you can find him but I don’t remember his name. Too bad you can’t get his service records, might there be a congressional office somewhere willing to help you? The SF doctor for B43 was stationed in Can Tho and made infrequent visits to Cao Lanh, if you can find him he could provide you with additional information.
Hello gentleman!!
I am looking to find out any information about my father his name is Alva Earl Fockler Jr. My dad passed away 4th of May 2020. I knew he was in Vietnam, but he never talked about it with me. I was able to read his DD-214 and found his last Duty Assignment and Major Command was TM 50 MACV. I have learned a small amount about MACV and also that my father has received several metals. I am simply reaching out for information or the possibility that some one would have served or knew my father. Respectfully Earl A. Fockler a proud and grateful son of a Veteran
Hello, my name is Hung Nguyen (Henry Newinn) and I worked with Phoenix Program in Cao Lanh from 1968 to 1971. I would appreciate if any one knows where about Lt Webb replacing Capt John R Tine who was KIA in May 1, 1969 in Cao Lanh. Capt Tine was with Team 84. My email is hnewinn@sbcglobal.net. Thank you.
Hi! Joe Jones here. Was G-2 Air NCO for Team 50 from May1969-June 1970. I went to the Phoenix compound frequently. One of the guys there taught me how to develop and print my film from the flight missions I went on. Sorry, but I don’t remember names from that time, though I often wondered what happened to the people there. I remember one of the Vietnamese there who wanted to be a photographer when the war ended. Might that be you?
Hi Joe,
It has been a long time, over a half century ago and now it is great time to hear that you are OK. I remember OSA compound located behind Province Chief Hqs. In the year of 2000 I revisited Cao Lanh but nothing there. There are no more OSA compound, no 44th Special Tactical Zone building, no B-43 Special Force Campn, no National Police Hqs building… except GVN Kien Phong Provincial Hqs building is still standing there. I escaped in the afternoon of the April 29th,1975 and I believe some of the men who wanted to evacuate but still get stuck there. I wish them the best and I hope the Vietnamese man who helped you in the dark room of Phoenix Program is OK. I wish you well and thank you for your service.
Dick
I too served with Team 50 in Cao Lanh
Supply Room under a Staff Sarge Corelli for a time THEN a 2nd Lt BONE arrived with a Col Hazam in Oct ‘68 left Aug’69
Mike Bowe
Sp4
Hello! I was with Seabee Team 7409 outside of Cao Lanh in 1970-71! ….do you remember the metal and dirt runway? We would get our diesel fuel “dropped “off. The C-130 would fly over the runway about 6 feet off the ground and rollout the fuel barrels. They would roll all over the strip!…just an old memory!…thanks for your service!
I was assigned to Team 50 G2 Dufflebag Program.
I took a trip from Cao Lahn to the Seabee Base north of Hong Nu and back with some Seabees.
I have a few pictures from this excursion.
Gerald Faulk
I was on Adv. Tm. 84 in Cao Lanh and remember the air strip and the fly-bys to drop off fuel. I was out on a MAT team, so I only saw it once and thought I remember it was fuel bladders they were rolling out as the C130 flew by just off the ground.
I was assigned to Team 84 also as an Dufflebag advisor for about 1 month.
I was part of MACV G2 and spent most of my tour attached to Special Forces A Teams A431 Cai Cai, and A413 Binh Than Thon.
These camps were turned over to the Vietnamese Rangers by November 1970.
Colonel David Hackworth pulled all American Forces from these camps.
I worked in the G2 office in Cao Lahn ADV Team 50 and ADV Team 84 at MY An aka MY Da. for the rest of my Tour.
This is Torry Kirksey. I was in Bac Lieu from Sept 67 to Sept 68. I’m looking for anyone in Cao Lanh during the same time that knew Chris Burroughs. He was Air Force Intel for the FACS.
I was stationed at MACV Team 50 in Cao Lanh in late April 1971. I worked in an office called the Border Special Support Detachment, 525th CEG with two others located in the end of the building adjacent the entrance to the communications center. I spent most of my time “hitch-hiking” from Cao Lanh to our other offices at Chau Doc and Ha Tien, dropped off paperwork at the Pink Hotel in Can Tho. Then back to Cao Lanh. Rinse and Repeat.
Col Hackworth was there when I arrived. And I was there when he recorded his ‘Issues and Answers’ interview. And I was there after he left and we got hit with “inspection teams” from Saigon.
About November 71 the old team compound was given over to the ARVN, and the team relocated to the SF compound down the road. The SF had relocated to Chi Lang. January 72 Tm 50 relocated to Chi Lang with the SF and we moved in with our office in Chau Doc.
I took my combined R&R/Leave in Feb 72 returning just in time to be notified Pres Nixon had cut our tours by two months giving command just days to get me and about 200 others back to the states. They seized an American flag carrier airliner at the civilian terminal, quickly bused us over, put us on it and told the flight crew to take us to the US air base in Japan. Instead they landed at Tokyo International and we were stuck for several hours while they arranged for ground support and refueling. Then onto San Francisco International. We arrived at Oakland processing totally unexpected late Friday afternoon. My orders allowed me to get a ‘same as military fare’ ticket that didn’t require a uniform, so was able to get back to San Francisco International that afternoon and home to Florida by Saturday morning.
Noticed many here were G2. My roommate when we moved to the SF compound was Dale Stirbo (sp?) an analyst who worked for the G2 in the TOC.
Shadow: thank you for the interesting ’71/’72 Team 50 history, were the “inspection teams” from Saigon related to (or a result of) the “Issues and Answers” interview that you mentioned about in your post?
You know it. They were there trying to dig up something / anything to discredit him with. Yes. They found some stuff. But in the end took no action. He’d already retired and headed for Australia by then anyways so out of reach and any action would have likely resulted in a public backlash.
So instead. We found MACV Team 50 shuffled off to the Seven Sisters region of Chi Lang which was primarily a tent city at that time.
Denver,
Hope you’re safe and doing well.
Cheers,
Dick
Dick,
Thanks for the note, and yes, all is good here. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Uncle Sam has cleared some information (long story there) and if you don’t mind, I have some questions regarding your experience with “Issues and Answers’ and will put them into an email (I have your email address). In a related matter, did any Cao Lanh person (North / South / VC / American / visitor – anybody) ever mention Xeo Quyt – i.e. during our time at Team 50 ? Probably not! There was a POW Eurasian NVA 1LT from Hanoi who was being held at the small Swiss hospital outside of Cao Lanh. She was receiving information and instructions indirectly from Xeo Quyt (relayed by the Swiss or French nurses in Cao Lanh) but I am almost certain that the lieutenant did not know about Xeo Quyt. The lieutenant spoke French (Vietnamese and Chinese) and back in ’69 my French Huguenot mother established a correspondence with the lieutenant and later
represented her to immigration officials in Paris (my mother was a Neiman Marcus buyer and worked the Paris/Milan ‘rag-trade’). The lieutenant was given Right of Return and LTC Hackworth (and Major General Elias Townsend) arranged for her to be cut loose. I was aware that an E-4 had about zero influence but assumed an American general might garner a little respect. The result, in short, was a disaster – but remains as an open item on the books in France. France has requested assistance from Uncle Sam to close it out, I volunteered, so at age 72, I might get this special assignment in January (in Hawaii) the pandemic notwithstanding. That’s the background, I have some additional questions but will put them into an email later. And, thanks again for being one the great young officers from my 1968-69 Vietnam experience.
Denver,
Glad to hear you’re OK. My family has been doing fine, but we have 3 grandchildren on the front lines: 2 work in hospitals and one at a supermarket. So far, so good.
Even if I had known Xeo Quyt’s name then, it’s been a long time and I don’t today.
Cheers,
Dick
Been years since I left Adv Team 50. I was in G2 Air and worked at the TOC with G3 counterparts. I left in Dec 71. Dale was my replacement… came in before I left Nam. Yeah, we moved up the road to Kien Thong. Met Col Hackworth in Fort Drum… he saw me in the audience and shouted out my name… everyone was saying you know him… I said I sure do… gave all the weekend briefings to he and the team with a lot of information collection in Can Tho and Saigon.
My father was James H. Kvicala. When he was a major, he was the Mission Commander (call sign BARON 04) for Advisory Team 50, DRAC 1971-72. Worked with the SOCC Barons (Special Operations Coordination Center?) Anybody here remember him or stationed in the same unit during that time frame? I’d be interested to hear about it. He was an infantry officer on his second tour.
I’m sorry – Support Operations Coordination Center, Delta Regional Assistance Command
I was the G2 Air for Advisory Team 50 from January to December 1971. Col David Hackworth was our Senior Officer. I worked in both the G2 Section and the 44th STZ TOC.
I was assigned to G2 also as a unattended ground sensor advisor .
I served in Special Forces Camps at ca Cai Cai and Binh Than Thon and at yhe former Special Forces Camp at My An aka My Da.
I flew a few mission with Warren Officer Shortridge out of Cao Lahn.
That’s very nice to know Gerald Faulk… When I initially joined Team 50… about the only thing in G2 we used were unattended ground sensor reports… very little was there for me as a professionally trained imagery interpreter to do. I ended up doing most of my work in the TOC and giving briefings on the weekends for Col Hackworth… I did the intel portion of the briefing… before we had our weekend parties.
Jesus,
I worked in the G2 section from Sept 68 – Aug 69. Spent several months working night shift in TOC. My main job was to prepare morning intel briefings and work with my Vietnamese counterparts to update intel. We must have just missed each other.
Carl
Carl, I was in Vietnam 68-69 myself but way up north in Phubai with the 24th Corps. I was in the Imagery Interpretation section for that assignment. I was sent to Germany for my next assignment… before I reenlisted and went back to my second tour in Vietnam with Advisory Team 50.
Thanks for your reply. I hope you had a great experience in Cao Lahn. For me, being a member of Team 50, was one of the most memorable [arts of my life.
Take care.
Team 50 was a very unique unit, camaraderie which stands out from later assignments. Prepared me to accomplish a lot in later units of assignment.
You probably took my place! I was G-2 Air NCO from May 1969-1970. Also had Hackworth as CO (I have pictures of him and several others at a betrothal party for one of our Vietnamese counterparts) I also worked in the G-2 office and posted our infra-red and SLAR results in the TOC.
Sorry he arrived as I was leaving. Right now going through a bunch of stuff last year they found out I had cancer in the prostate and bone which I want to the VA for disability on July and still waiting a year later
Long with the VA exam they found out I’ve had PTSD which is bringing a whole bunch of memories of the team in the things we did which I have buryed
The VA in the process of classifying my disability for bone cancer or prostate cancer loss of hearing diabetic and it all seems to be related to agent orange so if any of you guys are out there that were with the team and during 1968 1969 1970 you might want to stop by the VA and asked for disability specially if you have cancer
My Dad died in 2012 of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). VA eventually accepted it as service-related (after he died), since it is rarely seen outside Southeast Asia and is usually connected to liver flukes found in contaminated fish or water. Usually not diagnosed until your skin’s turning yellow and it’s too late to do anything about it. Talk to a specialist as soon as you can if you might have been exposed. Best of luck.
Rich,
Sorry to hear about your issues. I was there from 68 – 69. What was your assignment on the Team? Were you just on the compound or were you in the field. I have had prostate issues from the day I returned home.
Good luck,
Carl
No cancer or prostate problems, but diabetes, PTSD, neuropathy in feet and legs. After 50 years, finally got put on 100% disability.
Jim, I just saw your post. I was Baron 02 and left the SOCC in Dec. 1971 and I don’t recall your father. He must have reported right after i departed. All I can tell you about the unit is that we were doing cross-border operations into Cambodia. Our mission reports were classified. I can tell you that we operated out of Chi Lang.
Was one of the first recon flights over Cambodia before the incursion. Got pics of the captured weapons in front of the Vietnamese HQ.
Thanks for that information!
Did anyone get the pics I posted in Dropbox? I tried to send them to Carl!
Don’t know about a drop box – When I came back and process out in Oakland I had 30 minutes to catch a taxi to get to the airport. The MP found my scrap book with pictures and took it. I just wanted to get to the airport and get home, I would like to see the pictures but again I don’t understand a drop box?
Dropbox is a program for posting large files (like photos) that are too large for regular email.
Dropbox is a program for sending large amounts of data (like pictures) at once. You put the info in the “Dropbox” and send the file name to the recipient. Usually pretty good, but I’m not sure Carl got them.
I have a picture taken with Martha Raye from the orderly room steps. Maybe you guys can photo shop it and change the face.
Yes and the first thing he had court date was moved over to let him in his compound and take the big building has his hooch
Rich – not sure who your are talking about.. I recall Col Hackworth moving to the 44th STZ Commanders house. I think his old hooch became an officers club.
Yes he sent me down to the 9th infantry division that was standing down to pick up some slot machine and see if any of the girls would relocate to our compound
Then I was task with taking his quarters and turning it into the officer club
Had some high level poker games with the special forces and air American folks
Me too
I remember the pic trailer: I got a radio there. Wish I could remember names better!
I wish I had taken a photo of everyone on the compound and kept a journal. Trying to piece together thing, 50 years later is a bit difficult!
Beside being the S4 I ended up with the sergeant (forgot his name) and ran the little px trailer and the mars station when not in the field
Much of my time was in the office down from the TOC, close to the road. I don’t remember names too well: I was hoping someone would! The G-2 Air Captain’s first name was Steve, but I can’t remember his last name.
Hi,
I think the 1Lt’s name was Steve Boyd. He was always going out on Bird Dog flights and most of the time had a camera hanging from his neck
I went out on plenty of the Birddog flights while there. Just couldn’t remember the Captain who was G-2 Air, my boss. My office space was close to the road and down from the TOC as well.
He was a Captain. I have a picture of him with a kitten we adopted, showing Captain’s bars on his uniform. I believe I also have a picture of you at your desk. You had it near the opening between the front and back sections of the office, facing the road.
I have quite a few pictures from Cao Lanh, but I don’t know who in this group I can send them to.
Joseph,
If you can send me a couple of those photos, I would really appreciate it. I do not have one photo of any of the G2 section or people with whom I worked. I will be forever grateful.
Thanks,
Carl
cwbydesignboca@gmail.com.
Remember a captain who crash a helicopter and there’s some big question that the SA had about it
I was in Cao Lanh from April 1969 to March 1970 as G-2 Air NCO. I spent time as the back-seat in the Army Bird Dog and don’t remember anyone else in G-2 Air, since there were only two of us in the Air section, the Captain and me. I have pics of the compound from the air, a napalm strike we observed, the airfield, pics of Christmas in the TOC compound, the weapons captured during the Cambodian incursion and many more. I think I can put them in Dropbox and get them to you.
Joe,
I was in the G2 section until September 1969. Did you spend any time in the G2 office? It was located on the same side of the compound as the TOC. Do you remember any names?
I sat in the backseat of a birddog with Warrant Officer Shortridge several times.
I was there for the insertion
Kind of pissed off because when we came back found out that either NBC CBS ABC broadcast but we were doing at the same time we’re doing it
If he was a red head major yes
As soon as I came on board he left and I had an airlift for the SF folks
Did you replace Major Robert Warren? Had a lot of respect for him. Read that he ended his career as a Colonel. I left Cao Lanh Aug 69.
I was The S4 liaison advisor replacing the major that was there before me and left of September 1969
I was in a country transfer from the first infantry division because I didn’t have enough time and country
I did one Aircraft FO with our AF pilot
On the little PX out of the back of the trailer and help Doctor with the snake
Definitely Lt Stephen Boyd and I believe it was Captain Sullivan
Joseph,
Thanks for your response.
Terry
I was there March 60-April 70 and worked as G-2 Air NCO. Been trying to remember the G-2 Air Officer. It might have been Steve Sullivan or Steve Boyd, but I’m sure his first name was Steve. He was a Captain. I also went out on the Birddog flights using the 35 mm camera. Learned how to process the film at the Phoenix compound down the road.
I was Intel Sergeant at the time you were there although I was gone most of the week flying some dam place. I am wondering if you remember the shake and bake SP5 that I had to send back to Saigon? After telling him to take a piece of UEX and dump it in the canal, he drove all the way to Can Tho in my recently signed for jeep and turned it in to EOD. A got a chewing for that. I was in Cambodia at the start of the Incursion. Were you with that one or did you leave before it?
I think the Sp5 ‘s name was Cooley.
Correction the above is the wrong person.
Yes, that person is not me.
I was assigned to ADV Team 50 in G2.
As was I. 1969-70
Gerald—you and I ran into each other at Ft. Hood. By that time you had been promoted to WO instead of E-6. Probably about 1975/76. Also for those of you that remember the only E-7 medic in Cao Lanh, SFC Rodriguez, when I was going thru officers basic at Ft. Sam in 1974—guess what, that fantastic medic was also a student at HSC and going thru the PA school. Wonderful to see the career progression. According to the internet there are about 600K of us still alive. The MACV groups had unique opportunities and it was a great to see WO Gerald and and WO Rodriguez recognized. Best wishes guys. Mike Cox McKague
Yes, I was there for the Cambodian incursion. I have pics of the captured weapons in front of that little building in the parade ground, down the way from the TOC.
Terry,
Team 50 had 100 – 150 members. We were just down the road from your team, the SF team and airboat site. If you contact Shannon, he has become the unofficial go-to Team 50 historian!! My only regrets, regarding my time with Team 50, is that I didn’t keep a written diary of names, places, dates. Nor did I take many photos. I wish I could contact Lt Steven Boyd. He was in my G2 section and always had a 35mm camera with him. He did a lot of Bird-Dog flights.
Little by little, the team history seems to be filling in.
Good luck
Carl,
Thanks for replying.
Terry
I was at the SF B-43 from 4-67 until 4-68. Would like to speak to anyone that was there. I’ve not spoken to anyone from there.
Lawrence,
I was on a MAT team out in the boonies that worked with B-43 in ’69-’70. My only connection back as far as ’68 was LTC Ray Mullen, B-43 CO and Kien Phong PSA at the time, I believe. We corresponded a bit before he passed away in Thailand. Heart attack, as I recall.
Terry
I was at Cao Lahn from 4/67 to 4/68 when it was B-43. I was assigned to SF but wasn’t SF. My name is Lawrence (Dennis) Schley. No many left alive from our group. I would like to know about a signal guy last name Damino and Joe Cabatagh. Spelling not correct.
I served under Col Mullen and SGT MAG Thomas. Great men. That was quite a year.
Hi,
My email is cwbydesign@aol.com
Would love to see some pics
Havea Happyand HealthyNew Year.
Thanks,
Carl
I have a few pics. Capt. Steve with the kitten we adopted. The VN gal working in the office who had severe pockmarks on her face: always wore an aio dai dress. Some of the girls in the mess hall. One time one of the counterparts had an engagement party: I have some pics of that. Lots of pics, but not sure how to send them.
I was there March ’69 through April ’70. Don’t remember Col. Hackworth moving though.
Boy, this is really sad. I sat in that office for almost a year. I just can’t remember a lot of names. I do remember Capt Jiles, Maj Ridpath, Gary Root AF Liaison, Lt Boyd, Bruce Ross – Analyst, Maj Ryder. After that, this are really fuzzy. If you have any photos, send them along.cwbydesign@aol.com.
Thanks
Carl, there was also a Cpt Slayton, I was assigned to G2 section as an interrogator (May 68-Apr 69) but was detailed to Operation Delta Falcon commuting from Moc Hoa-Chi Lang as basically as a radio operator. The ARVN dn want a Co Van interrogator sitting in on their interrogations.
After R&R in Dec 68, I worked in the G2 shed plotting maps. AFTER my assignment to RVN, I attended 47 weeks of Vietnamese language. A little late for that. Root and I arrived in Cao Lanh together from Can Tho. Col Geraci (later Bde CO, 9th ID) was SA before Col Hazem.
Col Hackworth replaced Col Hassinger about the time of the Cambodian Incursion starting 29 Apr 70.
I have some pics of weapons captured during that incursion and displayed in front of the building in the center of the ARVN compound. Haven’t figured out how to send them yet!
CSM Lou Rothenstein, may I request that you please contact me at: dshannon753@gmail.com? I was a medic at Tm 50 during 1968-69, and have just a few questions (and will provide details, etc.) Thank you and regards, Denver Shannon
Yes I remember my office was in one of the outer building
Where you there when Co Hackworth moved from our compound to the Vietnamese side in the big house?
G-2 Office. Had a desk on the side nearest the road.
Hi,
I left Team 50 early September of 69. We must have been there together. Did you work in the TOC or in the G-2 office, beside the parade field?
I was there April 69 until ’70. G-2 Air NCO
My bunk was at other end of one of the barracks hit that night. An Air Force Liason Sgt was hit in the back ,when the round hit his room. Medivaced, but returned a few weeks later – minus a big section of muscle. I am sure Shannon must have helped him. Can’t remember his name but , as I recall, he had a really thick mustache
Carl, I’m a bit fuzzy about many things from almost 50 years ago, but I have vivid memories of that mortar attack. A round punched about a 1-foot disk of tin from the roof that hit him in his bunk.
I was a Swamp Fox crew chief moved from Long Xuyen to team 50 July 31, 1969. I was in the barracks the night of the mortar attach. I am sure it was within the first week. For me and my fellow Crew Chief room mate it was the first of several incoming. In October I moved down the road to team 84. I have several memories of events at the Air Field. Not all bad.
Joseph,
What date didbyou leave Cao Lanh? I was G2 analyst from Sept 68 – Sept 69.
That sucks! I guess I skated by having my photos mailed home or putting them in the shopping crate I sent back to the States. I have some pics of the compound from the air, ground, Tet ’69, and the FOP near Seven Mountains where the SF base was. I’ll se if I can find some way to post them, though I’m not really familiar with the process.
I was the S4 advisor during the late 69 and was an inter-country transfer from the 1st Infantry division. Later on selected operations did air and arty adjustment but back in camp help with the MARS station, PX trailer, snake pit and did a few other things that Col Hackworth wanted done.
When I came back the MP at Oakland took all my photos of the team and the 1st Division were I was an FO and later the S4 during our standdown
I helped build the big como bunker and the 120 ft signal tower at back of the compound.The como bunker had AC to keep the como equipment cool.I worked in the commcenter and did was classified courier to 44th stz and b-43 special camp camp.We also did message relay over to moc hoa & chau duc vietnam.I was there from july 68 until april of 69.I was with 52nd signal bn out of can tho and was attached to macv tm 50.I would like to see your pictures I have my vietnam pictures on flicker account.
You can reach me at tytel@aol.com and I will email a link to my Flickr page.
If I have the right team, I was a SP5 assigned to the advisory team in late1968 and left Vietnam in June 1969. During my time I remember Captain Tine (sp?) who was a pilot got shot down. I work for a major in S3, who was dedicated — but knew me well enough not to take me out into the field. He had a real infantryman (I think his name was Barlow) for the field. Not a lot of strong memories after all these years. But I do have a map of Cao Lanh and some 8mm film. If anyone is interested I think I can dig both of them up and send to you. When I look at google maps of Cao Lanh, I can’t figure out where the old compound was located.
My primary memories of that time were riding my bicycle around and working with the Vietnamese. I also remember how the big operation we had when we surrounded the 502, but couldn’t get the Vietnamese to attack. I remember how disgusted the major was when our team was asked to bring in the 9th to clear out the viet cong.
Hi Rick, my name is Henry Nguyen (Newinn) and I am now living in Houston, Texas. I am lucky enough to discover this site and read your note saying about Captain John R Tine. I worked with Capt. Tine in Phoenix Program in Cao Lanh, Kien Phong Province. As I remember on May 1st, 1969 around 6:45 am Capt. Tine and I along with 20 PRU Tiger members were inserted into a rice paddy field in Phong My village by Helicopters. We were immediately met enemy resistance and a firefight broke out. A bullet went thru Capt. Tine’s lung and knocked him down to the water. He died instantly. I tried to wipe his face which was covered full of mud then we put him on a LOCH Helicopter for medevac. Your note has made me feel liked yesterday and the old memories again return to me. A sad moment runs inside me. I have prayed for Capt. Tine and his family. I also want to thank all of US Military men and women for doing a good cause in Vietnam. I am looking forward to seeing all of you in person so I could salute you or please drop me a line. Here is my email hnewinn@sbcglobal.net
Dear Ong Nguyen, I just bumped into this site searching for COL John P. Geraci. I was with Teams 50 and 84 both in Cao Lanh. I was there from July through December 1968. I was a Trung Uy at the time. The 44th Zone Commander was COL Pham Van Phu, later to achieve immortality as the II Corps Commander when in April 1975 the country fell. You know the story. I knew Captain John R. Tine. He was a fellow Marylander, from Baltimore. He had a picture of his wife and two kids. Word I got from my successor, CPT David L Daughters, was that Tine was killed by friendly fire, by Navy Seawolf, when they were caught in the open, black pajamas, daylight. I was the Kien Phong Sector S2 Advisor; . I knew Steve Boyd, referenced in earlier entries. I’ve written down your email. Regards, K
I was Swampfox31 assigned to support 44STZ fromaboutJuly 68 to April 69. Lots of radio coo on with Mal Hombre aka Col Geraci. Never met him however.
II flew out of Long Xuyen and worked the whole area from Parrots Beak to HaTien.
Made a trip back in Jan 2020 to Cao lahn ,Moc Hoa,Chau Doc,Seven Mountaims,Chi Lang,Rach Gia, Ha Tien, Soctr ang, Canto ,Long Xuyen and Saigon. Lots of change and fairly modern. I have lots of pictures but can’t find a watt to post here.
Would you believe a four lane bridge and highway from near old Long Xuyen Airport to Cao Lahn.
Any body remember a Major Thorne from AT 50.
Sam, I certainly do remember MAJ Harold Thorne, “Torch of the Delta”. He and 1LT Frank Gilliatt were advisers with the Vietnamese Rangers. Frank married the beautiful Co Helene and brought her back to Massachusetts and later retired as a teacher at Leominster High School. All 3 of them were fine people.
When I was S2/S3 Air for the Long Xuyen Team, you would fly me around the province so I could take photos. When I transferred to Cao Lanh, you flew me there in your Bird Dog. Hope you are well.
Dick,
Just want to say hello. I was at Team 50 from Sept 68 – Aug 69. Over the years, I have been trying to piece together names and faces of the G2 section. I was an intel analyst for my entire tour. I remember a 1LT Steve Boyd?? He used to fly a lot of Bird Dog missions with Swampfox, and loved taking photos. Do you know him? I am sure you must have flown him many times. Any info regarding him or Major Ridpath (G2) who was replaced by Maj Ryder (G2), would be greatly appreciated.
Carl
Carl,
I was the Asst. HQ Detachment Commander (1LT) for Team 50 and also commanded the US security platoon at the compound. I spent the first half of my tour with Team 53 in Long Xuyen. I was transferred to Team 50 in Feb 1969 to replace a guy with medical issues. My main responsibilities were perimeter security on the US side of the compound, HQ admin, the erdalator (transportable quick-response water purification system) for our water supply, and the mess hall. I also managed to get toilets for the latrine to replace the half 55 gal drums we had used and the wooden bar for the building we used as an officer’s club). All pretty boring after advising RuffPuffs and NPFs hunting for VC in the boonies in An Giang province, where as S2/Air I also spent some time in the back of CPT Sam Givhan’s Bird Dog. I left for home in Jul 69.
Cheers,
Dick
Dear Trung Uy Givhan Co Van My,
First of all I would like to salute you and thank for your service. I worked in Cao Lanh with Phoenix Program from 1968 to 1972. My US Adviser Co Van My Capt John R Tine, team 84 was killed in a firefight with VC. I was by his side when we were inserted into a rice paddy field by Helicopter on the early morning of May 1st, 1969. Sadly, Capt Tine got killed instantly. I pray for his family and I would like to pay my respect to his graveside. I also remember in the early April 1970 Cantho called me and let me know that to pick up General Timmes at Tan Tich airstrip near Cao Lanh ferry. He flew in by Air America cessna. While riding back to Cao Lanh I asked him: do you want me call you Sir or General ?, he said to me it is fine to call whatever you want. General Timmes was once a fine Commander of MAAG, a previous of MACV. This trip was to meet General Phu, Commander of 44th Special Tactical Zone. When we arrived and waited for General Phu to greet us, General Timmes told me that General Phu was able to understand English, so I waited in the waiting area. At the end of that meeting I realized that an invasion of Cambodia was launched in the end of April 1970. It is exactly 50 years ago. Today both of these Generals are gone and rested peacefully in their motherland. Time has gone fast and I would like to meet you in the near future. My contact Text me 8322764116.
Phillip I believe I remember you Iwas with 52sig late 67 to jan 69 my name is Eugene Gardner I was Sgt when I left jan 69
Joseph,
The USO show I remember was an Australian group. I don’t remember that the show was on the same night of the jeep wreck, but it’s awhile. I remember the guys letting me play the drums. I’m an old drummer from way back. I stayed in the same barracks 2nd floor, first bunked with Joe Bohn then I moved down stairs later to my own room. I didn’t use it much because I was out on operations must of the time. I remember hearing about the mortar attack and the round that hit the bldg. I did visit the big commo bunker at the back of the compound a few times, can’t remember why. But it had A/C.
Take care,
Ronnie Evers
Just stumbled across this Ronnie, I remember that night, strange but I was thinking of the night you played the drums just a couple of weeks ago.
Joe Bohn old buddy. “Mr. Crackback”….I guess your still alive. That’s a good thing. Surprised to hear from you but glad. Brings back memories. Hope you are doing good. Been a long time since Cao Lanh and tm50. The USO show was a cool thing, the only one I saw. I kept playing drums in a few bands for a few years. Married, kids, grandchildren, retired. Take care of yourself my friend. Ronnie
I don’t know if you recall, but I spent 2 tours at Crum Compound from April 69 to May 71 –Said hello and goodby to a lot of guys. Came home, went to work for the Phone Company, retired at 52. Got fat, got thin again, you know, life is a process. Married for 45 years with 5 grandkids. I keep in touch with Dave Cummings on Facebook but he is the only other guy I have connected with till now. Anyway gtreat to hear from you. As I get older I find I reflect on my days there much more than I did in my younger years. I guess we are “grabbing’ at our youth.
Take Care
Two tours…you loved it! Remember LTC Asp, Deputy Senior Advisor? He wanted me to extend for another tour and promote me to E6, but I declined in that I was going back to work with the federal government and school. LTC Asp died in 2003. Before tm50 I was in Cantho on tm96, I think. Assigned there from Saigon. When I left Cao Lanh went to MACV and reassigned to some command support group until I left in March. Wife and I have been married 46 years the 12th of this month. Two boys, 3 grandkids. I retired from federal government with over 38 years and the Army Reserves as First Sergeant with 26 years. I also work as a govt contractor for 3 years. Was Cummings the guy that handled the mail? Is he the one I had a little misunderstanding with next to the barracks? You were there too.
You’re right about reflection on earlier years and my time in Vietnam and Tm50. I have been doing more since I retired. How is your health? The Veterans Administration has me 100% disabled for heart condition and other conditions related to Agent Orange. My body is falling apart. You mentioned your weight up and down….same here. I’ve never been a small man. I picked up weight when I retired from reserves and stop all the PT and running. But you were a skinny guy back when in Nam days.
Oh well I’ve rambled long enough….Good to here from you and take care old friend. And Welcome Back!
Ronnie
I do remember Col Asp. He got me my CIB for being on the Mountain. Col Asp once said there are 472 potholes on the Chi Lang Air strip and Bohn can hit every one of them. Yes Dave was that guy, and I was there, as a matter of fact I think I was the catalist for that disagreement. My health is OK. Bad knee, aches & pains, old man stuff. I spend most of my time now in my workshop or tending the 2 1/2 acres we thought would be nice, but it is a lot of work.
Glad you received the CIB. I think Col Asp got me mine also. On Nui Coto and I also went out with the ARVNS at Chi Lang. My Primary MOS was 11B, Infantry. I also received a bronze star and a couple other Vietnamese medals. Got them when I got to Saigon. Potholes when driving the Col around, I bet. Remember Cpt Travino, spoke Vietnamese like he was born there. Think he was on a 3rd tour.
Glad your health is good….I quit smoking 30 years ago and with no regrets. Drink very little. I remember some of the wild times we had that involved a beer or two…Ha! You were there when Col David Hackworth took over from Col Hassinger as senior advisor. How was that. Hackworth was a legend.
I’m new to the site. Do you know if we can submit photos? I’ve been scanning my photos so they don’t get lost.
Joseph- This site is not equipped to post photos
Thanks for info. If you find that you have two patches and are willing to part with one please let me know.
I was G-2 Air NCO for Team 50 from 1969-1970.
does not work the web page is discontinued
________________________________
To all former Tm 50 members,
I’m trying to locate the pocket patch we wore on the right pocket. It had a temple that was distroyed by the VC in the 50’s in the center and the border going across from left to right separating 44stz and Cambodia. It also had the number 44 on it in a circle. If anyone has an extra I would be happy to buy it from you. I lost mine years ago and cannot find any on line for sell. Thanks
Ronnie Evers Sgt, MACV tm 50 June 69-Feb 70.
I think I still have mine, but only one. I also have the mug we got, but the paint is chipping off.
Thank you, Phillip!
I was with Team 50 at cao lanh from july of 1968 until april of 1969.I was with a detachment of 52nd signal and we built the commo bunkers and the 120 foot signal tower at the back of the compound.
I did comsec for 44th stz and macv tm 50 and made several middle of the night runs by myself in our jeep to deliver b-52 coordinates to b43 special forces down the road.
Made many runs out to the airstrip in douce and half to pick up diesel fuel for the big 100k generator which we maintained on the compound that was flown in on on caribu.
I have quite a few pictures from my time at tm 50 and would like to share them if there is a way I can download them to this site.
Phillip Tyson
Vietnam
Phillip,
Would love to see those photo. My email is cwbydesign@aol.com. I will be in touch.
Carl Weinstein. I was on Team 50 the same time you were. Looking forward to reminiscing
I was therein 68-69. Got to know LT Frank Tumminia of the 52nd pretty well. You guys did good work, although climbing that tower used to scare the hell out of me. I have a server you could host your pictures on. Let me know if you’re interested (dick.dowdell@gmail.xyz). Just replace the xyz with com.
The LT and I use to deliver crypto gear down river to can tho Via Huey.We also had a young LT had red hair and was one wild & crazy SOB.
Emailed you a link to my Flickr which has my pictures from macn tm 50.
I arrived about the same time you left. I was bunked in the barracks at the rear of the compound, the room on the second floor that was hit by a mortar round before I got there.
Joseph,
I remember the mortar round hitting the building.
I was on the first floor, on the other side where the round hit.
Saw the flash before any noise from explosion, pretty scary.
Roommate thought I was dead, he said I hit the floor like a dead weight. Still breathing, so I guess I made it.
Was Air Force Radio Operator stationed with the finest group of US Army personnel.
Welcome home all my Viet Brothers.
Sgt. David K. Potter
Anyone wanting to see my pictures from 1968-1969 at MACV TM 50 send me your email address to tytel@windstream.net and I will send you the link to my Flickr account.
heres another name staff sarg corletti or cornello….
Doug Cruce,
I actually ran across your name going through some old papers,a set of orders for the CIB. You and I are on the same orders. Your name triggered some old memories, The Lt I was thinking about may had been Diaz, but it’s been awhile. But anyway thanks for responding. Hope your knee recovery is going well.
I do remember Cpt Sullivan and the mustache. Also there was a Cpt Travino, 2nd or 3rd tour, worked with him on several operations. Great guy, spoke Vietnamese like he was born there. Ltc Asp was in WWII and Korea. He wanted me to extend for a 2nd tour, but I declined. I had great respect for him. He passed away in 2003.
I remember the night that a chopper pilot and his door gunner had been partying a little in the compound, left in a jeep and wrecked at the bridge that went to the airfield. The door gunner was killed. I remember going down there and helping to pull them out. Also one night a soldier must had got a “Dear John” letter and locked and loaded his M16, started spraying the compound in the air mostly. He kind of lost it for awhile. Col Hassinger came out of his hooch and talked him down, got his weapon and everything was okay.
After Vietnam I had a short break, college, went back to work with federal government, active Army Reserves, in the 80th Div training. Was a drill sergeant in a infantry training bde, various leadership schools instructor, activated to active duty during Desert Storm 1991, retired in 1997 as a 1st Sergeant with a total of 26 years. Also retired from federal government with over 38 years and like you worked for a defense contractor for about 3 years. Married for over 43 years, 2 children, and three grandkids. Currently dealing with health issues, High blood pressure, Type II diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, bad knees. Had a TIA mini-stroke in 2008. Claims in to VA for compensation related to Agent Orange.
Well I guess I’ve rambled on long enough. Thanks again for replying and best of luck to you in the future.
Ronnie Evers
Ronnie,
I remember the two guys that hit the bridge.A USO show had just arrived and one of the girls asked me if she could get some aspirin for a headache just as we got the news about the accident. Referred her to the Doc.
JHJ
The headache persisted for the Australian performer with the USO show (who was mentioned above by J.H. Jones). That evening she took what medicine remained in my medic bag. The next morning she (and the orderly room watchman) found my room, woke me before 5 a.m. saying she needed more Darvon. Nothing was left in my pack, so we made the trek through the darkness, and the Asian Cobras enjoying the warm cement sidewalk, on our way to the medical bunker. I am sure that all of us remember the headache and nobody would remember her black see-through costume worn during the performance nor her interesting wet street clothes (it was raining the next day). Fortunately, I carried a small camera in the medical pack – post your e-address and I will send you her photo taken during the performance, and the next day in her wet departure clothing (highlighting her attributes). She continued on her journey happy, healthy, and in good spirits.
Remember? I have pics of the show, & a couple of others that came through.
I was wondering if any of you on here recall a Maj. Thomas D. Redford who served as FAC (ALO 44th STZ) from Dec 1968 to Oct 1969. Thomas was my Grandfather and I am trying to gather as much information about him as I can to write his biography. You can reach me at bradfordjames8@gmail.com.
Thank you very much
Congratulations! Good luck
To: Gerald Knuth and Doc Fagan: Doc, i remember you well and hope you had the same caring ways as a civilian doctor after the Nam. Gerald—you were stationed at Ft. Hood between 75-77 and we reconnected. Believe you were a WO by then and I had converted from an 11B to MSC officer/audiologist at Darnell. After all these years we are fortunate to recall the experiences we shared. No one evver mentioned the day Martha Raye entertained us at the NCO Club in Cao Lanh. Still have a picture taken with her in my office.
I remember Martha Raye’s visit very well. She was there with her guitarist (I don’t remember his name) in her Special Forces LTC uniform. She spent a long time at Crum Compound hanging out with the few of us there. Cracked me up with a story involving a pee-tube on a Navy aircraft on her way out to a carrier. Fine woman! In those days I was the Asst HQ Detachment Commander and the commander of the American security platoon in the compound.
I’ll always remember Doc Fagan with appreciation. One night I hit my bunk with a 1/4 inch red patch on my stomach. When I woke up in the morning it was already a 1/4 inch deep. Scared the hell out of me. Doc Fagan scraped off a sample. Put it on a slide and stained it. Viewed it through a microscope. Looked it up in a book and mixed up some ointment that quickly cured it. I believe he had done his residency at a trauma center in Houston — was a real wiz with gunshot wounds.
You are correct, I was assigned to Ft Hood when I was appointed WO. In fact, I retired while stationed at Ft Hood.
I was there when Martha Raye was at the little club the Vietnamise built would have been jan or feb 1969.
I was also there for that
Yep I remember that and remember you as well you can reach me at tytel@windstream.net
Hi,
I was there at the same time. There was a classical guitarist that was travelling with Martha Raye. She told a story about how she had to use the “bathroom” on the plane that was transporting her. Guess what, no bathroom! She was very sincere and humble and was certainly trying to bring a little laughter to the compound. She actually ended up sitting on my lap while the guitarist was playing.
Also remember when Troy Donahue came to team 50.
I wish I had photos!
I remember both Martha Raye’s and Troy Donahue’s visit. Martha also spent time at the Special Forces compound (after 50+ years, I think it was a B Team). When Martha talked about the pee-tube on the Navy plane you could almost see the flight crew’s faces turning red. Troy Donahue was a little bit under the weather.
I’ll always respect and appreciate Martha Raye and remember in her Special Forces LTC uniform.
Amazing! We were in the same place, on the same day at the same moment. I remember Martha’s pee-tube story as if she told it yesterday.
Quite a lady.
Hope life is treating you kindly.
Carl,
I’m doing well. Still working as a Senior Software Architect at 71 years old.
I was a 1LT and Asst HQ Detachment Commander for Team 50. Before that I was S2/S3 Air for Team 53.
Hope life has been kind to you, too.
Cheers,
Dick
Dick,
Team 50 was relatively small, but I cant remember names, faces or places. That is scary. However, i do have great memories of my Teasm 50 experience.
Best Regards,
Carl
I must be old. I can’t remember names. Reading these posts I recognize only two names, Jim Pyle and Martinez, and the dog. I was there from January 68 though December 31, 1968. I was just a 19 year old clerk but filled my share of sand bags in January/February building bunkers. Memories of driving beer from the Special Forces camp down the road during those early months before we had any such place. And then transporting those beers in open containers as the SF boys said we were drinking too much of their beer and they thought this would slow us down, yeah right.
I was just looking at a placque I received when I left, it’s says “He typed through Tet, but only once”. That’s because my typewriter was blown up and it didn’t get replaced for awhile.
There was a master sergeant back early in ’68 but I can’t remember his name, but I do remember a few beers with him. I remember a Spec 5 Dave Chalk, I think, who came in March or April of 1968 and was promptly sent on an in country R&R, with me. I always thought they, whoever they were, didn’t want me to have to go by myself. There’s lots of memories, especially those early months and Tet ’68, some I’m sure altered a bit by time. I see faces but can’t remember names. If you were with MACV Team 50, 44th STZ in 1968 and remember an immature skinny tall kid with the name of Don Hinkley, please let me know, dcghinkley@bellsouth.net
During my tour (68-69) we had a RVN Capt. that I work with in the S4 cell.- What is bad that I found this site and many memories are still buried. To this day, I really don’t discuss the war with anyone. Once in awhile I might meet someone due to my volunteer work as an emergency medical tech, who was in country the same time and we might talks or I just listen and they talk. I assisted did assist sarge who ran the MARS when I was not in the field which was across from the mess hall and help convert Col Ash quarters into the Officer Club which had some bad card games
If the preceding mention of CPT Frank Guillot refers to the Ranger Advisor who worked for MAJ Harold Thorne, his name is Frank Gilliatt and he went back to teaching high school in Massachusetts after he left the Army. We were both 1LTs when I knew him at Cao Lanh. He is, I assume, still a great guy.
Cheers,
W. W. Dick Dowdell
I was with the 508th Engineers. we built the compound along with the 507th Engineers.
I’ve just finished reading all the comments here and notice most are from guys who were there 68 to mid 69. I recognized a few names—especially Col Hassenger and Col Hackworth. I was a CPT, TOC Duty Officer and then G-3 Plans Officer, from June 69 to June 70.
I think G-1, who I didn’t really know, was MAJ Porter, G-3 was I think MAJ Davis. One of TOC Duty Officers was tall, thin infantry CPT with big red handlebar mustache on 2nd tour and not ecstatic about advisory duty (Tom Sullivan?) My memory is not so good anymore! Another one was CPT Darren or Darryl or similar McGavock or MacGavock .
We had a Deputy Senior Advisor, COL Arnold A. Asp, who, if I remember right, was on his third war.
Have been transported back 45 years with the reading I’ve done tonight—pleasantly so for the most part. Would love to hear about any of people I’ve mentioned as well as any I’ve not been able to remember tonight.
I was assigned from the 1st Inf Div to Team 50. and was the Artillery Officer who end up building the officer club from Col Asp quarters when Cot Hackworth took over. The doc and I had the snake pit.
I wish there were a way to post photos, etc., on this site. Shannon has shared a few, with me. I have a few of my own, from my time on Team50. I would also like to start a flow chart, with names, duties and dates. Slowly things are beginning to fill-in. There are a lot of names I do not recognize, and I was on the compound for a year! I worked, on and off, in theTOC, and prepared G-2 briefings every morning. I haven’t been able to locate anyone, with whom I worked, from the G-2 section.
Best regards
Doug Cruce, were you a 1LT when you first came to Tm 50? My name is Ronnie Evers. I was on Tm 50 from June 69 to Feb 70.I was assigned from the states to MACV. IIB/airborne and sent to Vietnamese Language School, then Vietnam.
I was assigned as communication nco working with PFC Joe Bohn, Small skinny guy from Texas. I remember Cpt Kennedy as the detachment commander and ISG Jap. When I first got there I worked with SFC Hooper/Hopper, Lt Rick Hartley and others I can’t remember. I remember Col Hassinger and Ltc Asp. Went out on many operations from Cao Lanh , Chau Doc, Chi Lang. Worked in the seven mountains area a lot. I was on Nui Coto from Aug to Oct 1969 (42 days) at the relay statation. Call sign “Mr. Crackback”.
If you are the same Cruce, we went into town (Cao Lanh) and we had a little trouble that involved a local Vietnamese fellow pulling a .38 revolver on me at the top of some outdoor stairs. I was wearing my .45, but it didn’t do me any good. Things were a little scary for a minute or two and then settled down. Went back to Crum compound. Enough for now.
Ronnie Evers,
Sorry not to respond sooner. Spent entire month of April in a Physical Rehab Facility for Knee Replacement/Anesthesia Reaction. Just completed two months additional outpatient therapy this week.
We certainly had a several month tour overlap on TM 50, but the things you mention aren’t familiar and I was a CPT when I arrived in June ’69 rather than 1LT. If it helps any, I was almost skinny then, at 6’6″ and 190 lbs and had brown hair. So, like all of us, after this many years, you must be associating my name with someone else.
I am so glad to hear from you regardless. To the best of my memory you are the only respondent to my post from over a year now. All the places you mentioned are familiar and I was at them all, at one time or another, but never for very long. I went on to retire from the Army in ’85, then spent 15 years managing two (in succession) small cities before returning to Army as a defense contractor employee for another 10 years.
I hope you can look back on your time since TM 50 with satisfaction and fondness and wish you only the best in the future.
Enough for now. Hope to hear more in the future.
Doug Cruce.
Doug,
I was using the MACV Teams website to look for Tm 84, which was in Cao Lanh and was the province team for Kien Phong Province. I was surprised to come across a Tm 90 which was also shown to be in Cao Lanh. I was on a MAT team and later a DSA, so I didn’t spend much time in Cao Lanh, so I was surprised to learn of this Tm 90 serving as advisors to the RF/PF training center. I vaguely recall the training center being there, but I never had any contact with it. In scanning the MACV Teams list further I saw a Tm 50, also in Cao Lanh. More surprise! Once again, I don’t recall knowing you guys were around. I scanned some of the emails from Tm 50 guys and picked yours a random to reply to so I could ask what your team’s mission was. What unit or headquarters did your team advise? Any idea how large Tm 50 was? Tm 84 had a compound across the street from the SF compound for a CIDG air boat company. Memory fades, but I’m guessing Tm 84 had between 50 and 100 members in Cao Lanh and maybe that many more scattered around the province in district teams and MAT teams. Thanks for any response.
Terry
Terry T. Turner
Tm 84, MAT IV-32, 1969-70
Just found a great set of photos. They are posted by LTC Jim Pyle, on Flickr. Just search for MACV Team 50. Col Pyle, thank you for the photo posts. I can see the 100′ red and white communications tower in one of the photos! As soon as that thing was erected, we started receiving incoming mortars.
I just has a manicure, and the owner is the daughter of Col Le Duc. I believe he was one of the VN Senior officers at 44STZ. I showed her a Facebook photo and when she read the tag “Cao Lanh” she started screaming. Her father was friendly with my friend, Captain Ho Van Day. He was Headquarters Commandant of the VN side of the compound.
Do not know if I posted this info prior, but I just remembered the name of the 1st Sgt that came in after Sgt Japp. His name was Tuchek. Jolly fellow. He wasn’t there long. We gave him a roaring party, at a restaurant outside of town.. Can’t believe we were out there past
10 PM.
I knew Sgt. Tuchek. He was in G-2, with me. I remember he was a super patriot from some Eastern European country. I was there only a few months before he rotated out.
David: I was in Can Tho from Dec 67 until about June 68. Moved from Tm 96 to the 41st BDQ and was with the three career soldiers I mentioned in an earlier note. Remember Denver Shannon because he was from Burlingame CA and I was from the nearby town of San Mateo. Still looking for Tony Rossi to close out my bucket list. Ended my time with Team 50 working in TOC and got flown to Japan in Aug ’69. Tony got all my gear home minus the boomerang I picked up in Australia. For some reason I had cleaned up my stuff and told him to keep the boomerang and get everything else to my grandfather in case I didn’t make it. Everything arrived as agreed and beat me home. Many great memories.. My high school 50th is this year. Wish people from 96 and 50 could have a similar experience.
His name doesn’t sound familiar . What was his rank or his specialty.
Good luck
Was he in the Air Force and attached to Team 50? I am thinking that he may have been our liason in G2. But then again, it could have been someone else.
My great uncle was in Vietnam, he passed in 2007 due to a heart attack. I was wondering if anyone knew him, George Bellamy, I believe he was with MACV team 50 or STZ 44. Sorry I get a little confused about this stuff. He would have been in country sometime in the summer of ’68 until the fall, about October, of ’69. Thanks, and thank you all for your service!
Was your great Uncle George from Ohio? I seem to recall a very friendly fellow, maybe 5’5″, sandy-haired, and in good physical shape at the time, perhaps by that name.
He was from Indiana and Illinois, but the sandy hair and height sound just like him.
Dear Mr. Erb, Somewhere, I have a photo of your uncle, George Bellamy, from 1969, and will let you know once it is located, however, I came across a rather stunning photo of Capt. Frank Guilliot that was taken during the “10-day battle for Nui Coto Mountain” (as it was later termed in military historian D.M. Giangreco’s article: Special Forces). Your uncle became close to a Team 50 VN employee and her husband, and found a photo of her but not of George. Your uncle very kindly looked after my wildlife collection at Team 50 which you can view at vva.org – click on the Jan/Feb 2013 magazine (Feathers article). The hawk (photo is further down from the snake photo) was obtained in the U Minh area and the snake is more local (as described in the article). Your uncle looked after these pets while I was away, which, as it turned out, was quite often. I was only known by one name, Shannon (Jack – isn’t my name but was assigned to me at MACV HQ in Saigon because my given name was confusing) and I was trained by Doc Fagan, who is featured elsewhere on this Website. The doctor who replaced Dr. Fagan refused to leave the confines of the compound, ever, therefore, I was constantly outsourced to other Teams near and far. I became homesick for Team 50 quite often. Usually, someone else had taken over my room and bed, and your uncle would always find a space for me somewhere. I spent a great deal of time with a friend of Major Thorn (Thorn is also mentioned here) Lt. Col. Hackworth and his Tigers in Can Tho. Team 50 was so special that Hackworth later moved here and became the CO (at which time he became the youngest colonel in the US Army). I believe your uncle’s time in Cao Lanh was the ne plus ultra of Team 50’s military history.
May I add, if anyone from the Apr/’69 Nui Coto campaign might remember a young 21 y.o. lieutenant who was taken prisoner and tied (for several hours) to the lodgepole of the quartermaster tent at the staging area that was located a few miles away from the mountain. She was with the North’s First Division, 101D Regiment. She was then transported to Can Tho, then later to Cao Lanh (to the Swiss facility located a few miles from Team 50). She was wearing a Khmer Rouge karma (but she was not Cambodian). She spoke English slowly and deliberately but did not use pidgin. Besides her attractiveness you might remember her unusual eyes. If so, may I email you?
Mr. Erb, I did not know your uncle well, but remember him as an upbeat and kind person, a friend to all, and you should be very proud of him.
Thank you so much for the information! He was one of the nicest people and always upbeat! I would love to see that photo if you can find it! Again thank you for your reply
Mr. Erb, Please contact me at: dshannon753@gmail.com – found two photos that might include your uncle. I will email the images to you.
Actually, I found quite a few 1968-69 Team 50/Cao Lanh photos from back in the Mike Furr, Tony Rossi, et al. (many unidentified) era.
In the above comment, the Cambodian scarf is auto spell checked and should be k-r-a-m-a.
Do any of you remember a guy with a last name of Wedhorn? He was sent to Cao Lahn to be either a radio operator or swtchboard op. He was our first KIA in a mortar attack either in 67 or 68. He had only been in country for about two months. He was with Co C, 52d Sig Bn in Sadec.
41st Rangers were based just outside o Cao Lanh in 68 and 69. Charlie Japp was the E-7/8 there. I was a 5 and made 6 just before leaving RVN. Frank Guilliott was an 0-1 when he arrived and )-3 when he left. Major Harry Thorn was a direct commission from Korea. Carried a Swedish K and could have been in the movies. Charlie had a younger brother in SF at your original compound. Left there in Aug 69 after 20 months. A world away and a lifetime ago.
David,
Good to hear from you. I was on Team 50 from Sept 68 – July 69. Worked in G2 and occasionally worked nights at the TOC. We must have been there at the same time, probably worked together though my memory is slowing becoming cloudy. I remember the radio was in the back corner of the TOC. I was there during the Nui Coto operations. Were you ever on the mountain? There were times that I was on the radio with the CP on top of that big rock. I remember the Arch Light missions we flew. The ground was shaking all the way to the Team 50 compound in Cao Lanh. “Those Were the Days My Friend” so the song goes.
Good Luck.
Carl,
You are not the only one whose memory is cloudy my friend…..
Was never on the mountain, only to the TOC at Tri Ton, an old French fort, and at a fire support base in the middle of a rice paddy, near the base of the mountains. Had 3, 105 tube from the US 9th, a few SF troops and the rest ARVN………felt real secure……..
I basically coordinated between artillery and air strikes during the operations.
You are right, “Those were the days”.
Best of luck to you my Viet Brother.
Dave
DAVID POTTER,
I also was at Tri Ton, during Christmas week 1968, along with a 2nd LT Bone.
We were sent out to ‘resupply’ & move the wounded & dead.
My name is BOWE, I worked the supply room under a Sgt Corelli, I think, and took over most of the duties after he went home.
I was also at Tri Ton during Christmas 1968. Worked in G2 as an analyst.
Greetings to all Viet Vets.
Was stationed in Cao Lanh, SF B-43 until they moved to Chi Lang. We then moved down the street to MACV Tesam 50 compound. Was Air Force radio operator, July 1968 to July 1969. Supported operations at Mt, Nui Coto with SF and ARVN 44th Rangers. Choppered to Tri Ton and fire support base in the rice paddies.
Still remember the day we lost one of our FAC;s, Capt. Birchak, shot down by the VC. Seems like an eternity ago and other times very recent.
Welcome Home my Brothers.
Sgt. David Potter
I was stationed at 44thSTZ from 7 Feb 68-30 Sept 68. I was assigned as G-1 Adv. Major Jim Pyle. I knew Capt Birchak well. He flew for 44th STZ opens. I had been reassigned to Can Tho when I heard via radio that he had been shot down. Don’t recall the FAC flying with him. For several days there were efforts, by the VC Commander in the Cao Lanh District, offering his return in exchange for 100,000 US dollars. No firm agreement was ever reached, Then, after some days, one of our foot patrols came across the wreckage of the plane and the remains of Cpt Birchak and the FAC. Both were deceased. CAPT BIRCHAK WAS A FINE OFFICER WHO REPRESENTED THE US AF WELL. Thanks for including his name in your comments. I returned to CONUS in January 69, retired in 1981 with rank of LTC, Infantry. Best wishes for you and all our 44th STZ buddies.
Captain Birchak was shot down Jan. 11, 1969. His aircraft was found the following day. Captan Birchak and his Vetnamese observer were missing. I was there at the crash site, as I was his crew chief. (I was assigned to the TACP out of B-43/Advisory Team 84 from August 1968 to June 1969.) We removed the radios and the Special Forces guys disposed of the ordinance.His body was found a couple of days later. He had been executed, the Vietnamese observer later reported, when he refused to board a sampan. Yes, he was an excellent pilot and forward air controller. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t think of him. Mike Vouri
Hi Dave!
Hello Mike,
Sorry for the delay in returning your greeting.
Hard to believe it was 50 years ago. What happened.
Still remember that day with great sadness.
I guess the saying is correct, “We left Vietnam, but Vietnam never left us”
Best of everything from an old warrior.
Dave
WRONG MIKE, Dave Porter
Though I was THERE in Cao Lanh ’68 ‘-69, with COL HAZAM, I worked the supply room.
Mike Bowe
Mike,
Unfortunately, I do not remember you. On what part of the compound was your office? Too bad we cannot post photos on this site. I have several pics of the compound.
Good luck and Happy Anniversary – 50 years passed by really fast.
I worked for a Ltc Alfred E Horlitz in Panama (Canal Zone) from June of 1969-1970. I was hish secretary. He was a great guy and told me many stories of his Vietnam tour. He was a ranger. He thought he would be going back. He was about 40 years old , married and about 5 kids. I have looked for him before. I just found an obituary but don’t know if that would be him
Hi, Joy … thanks for your post. Yes. That is the Alfred Horlitz you worked with. Can you contact me via email at larry.m.belmont@gmail.com, and, if you are open to it. I would like to put you in touch with his youngest daughter.
Lt. C Horlitz was my uncle.. He died after his second tour of Vietnam Nam, so you are right he did go back. We believe his cancer was caused by multiple agent orange exposures. He did have five children who naturally are my cousins. I stay in touch with them and would be happy to facilitate contact if you wish.
Charlie Lange. Yankeerun@aol.com
LtC Horlitz was my uncle. He did in fact do a second tour in Vietnam. He died shortly after the end of the tour form stomach cancer. I am in touch with all five children and would be happy to facilitate contact if they are agreeable. Just let me know your wishes.
I am sorry I haven’t responded earlier. Col Hazem was replaced by US SF Col William Hassinger who was SA until after the Cambodian Incursion. Was fortunate to accompany the 41st Ranger Bn that I knew from Ben Tre on a previous tour. Capt Gilliatt moved from the 41st Ranger Bn to our Asst S2 Officer. The Capt you mentioned was our Deputy S2 until DEROS. Of interest, Maj Reiber and I went to Saigon to brief Adm Zumwalt COMNAVFORV on our intel in the 44th. Turns out ours was closer to theirs than J2 MAVC’s. Operation SEALORDS was pretty successful. The folks of B-43 received a Navy MUC, later expanded to all of Co D and some 44th STZ elements a part of SEALORDS. The tower was built by the 52s Signal Bn. The CO, LTC Morgan was my last boss in the Army as CG, USACECOM, MG Morgan 1986. I kidded him about his VC mortar aiming stake. My time in Vietnam – about 2 and a half years was all in the Delta – My Tho, Ben Tre, Chau Doc, Cao Lanh. Too bad we didn’t have MAT’s prior to TET of 68. What a lot of US veterans of Vietnam never experienced was association with the good ARVN units we advisors did. The Ranger Battalion, VN Marine Battalions were simply good soldiers. LTG (R) Burton D. Patrick was the advisor to the 42d Ranger Bn (worst AO – U Minh Forest area) who knows how good the Rangers were. He has a page on VNAFMANN -BDQ Biet Dong Quan. I talked to this fine gentlemen recently. Hope to hear from some of you. Lou
Lou,
Good to hear from you. We were like two ships, passing in the night. You were arriving at Team 50 and I was departing. Actually, we may have been on the compound together, for all of 30 minutes. I was in Japan, on R&R. When I finally got back in country, I caught the SA’s Ship back from Can Tho. while on the flight, I found out that my orders, to leave, had come down early. When the copter landed. the pilot gave me 30 minutes to pack and get back on.
So, if you were there in Late August, 69, we were literally in the same place at the same time. It was a great year. Have a Happy and Healthy New Year. Send some photos if you have any. cwbydesign@aol.com. I have a few of the TOC, parade field, new latrine, communications tower and the JP4 fuel dump in the back of the compound. It almost blew-up one night, when a flare, from a Spooky Gunship, landed in the middle of the dump. Some brave soul, ran outside and moved it before it could do any damage!
Lou,
Any photos that you would like to share
of Team 50? my email is cwbydesign@aol.com. I have a few I can send you.
Carl
Have been out of the net for quite a while. Don’t have any photos left, they went south with a divorce. I remember I have been trying to piece together a helicopter carrying U.S. personnel, the crew, and the CO, 41st Ranger Battalion near Moc Hoa. We had a new MI LT in that was going to work with B-41 at Moc Hoa. Can’t find out much on this. Also the name of the 41st Ranger Bn CO. I worked with that unit for awhile in Kien Hoa Province, 66-67. When I got to Cao Lanh in 69, it was there. We had Capt Gilliatt transfer over the G2 shop to finish out his tour.
I spent days in the back seat of Bird Dogs. I had trouble covering the border with photography as the miles were just to much. I know the impact that Team 50, USSF, the MACV Teams and the Navy had on Charlie’s logistics. April 70, the Cambodian incursion really did him in.
Sure wish I had some of th 4500 photos I took for intel and briefings. As I write this, I am in Vietnam at the Caravelle Hotel. I stayed here a short month or two in 1961 TDY. I didn’t make it to Cao Lanh this trip but saw some of the Dong Thap (Plain of Reeds) in 2012. Big rice growing area now although Kien Giang is having a water shortage if you can believe that………My email is loumisgm@yahoo.com.
Read T Turner’s posts – I met him in Counterparts. He was a MAT type. When I arrived at Team 50, I was at a briefing where they mentioned a fire at a MAT Team. Being gone to Europe for two years, I never heard of them. Wish they had them earlier.
Hope things are well with you.
Any information regarding Advisory Team 84, Kien Van Subsector, after April ’68, would be appreciated. Paul Montgomery, montgomery_paul@bellsouth.net, 256-318-3256.
I was with MAT team 72 Advisory team 84 also looking for information. We were in My An.
Hello every one , my dad was in Cao Lanh from 1970-72 he was MSG Robert Fowler.Do any of you remember him? if so i would like to know how he was. He passed on in 05 from cancer.
Hello Karl Fowler,
My name is David Chapin. I served on advisory team 84 in Cao Lanh from Jan 1971 to Jan 1972. I do think I remember a MSG Fowler. Did he also serve in the Korean war? If yes then I am sure that I worked with him. He was a very kind man and he helped me on some things for Col Hippler who was the Province Senior Advisor. MSG Fowler left Vietnam a few weeks after I arrived so I only worked with him a short time. Hoping that the person that I remember was your dad.
you are right about my dad serving in Korea he did 3 tours in Vietnam and one as a civilian as a palace guard. do you know what his job was while you knew him. my dad was very tight lip about what he did there so any info would great-full no secrets please, the month and year 1973 he retired from the army i went in and retired in 2014 thank you so much for replying
Doc Fagan: I remember you well. As far as SFC Martinez, after college I was going thru officers basic at Fr. Sam. I saw WOC Martinez and he was going thru PA school in 1974/5. It was great to see him. You both left very favorable impressions. By the way—Colonel John FP Hill was buried at Arlington (DSA of IV Corps), in about 2012. He lived to be 95. Best wishes, Doc.
Michael Cox McKague….Saw your comment and want to add a few words. I was assigned to 44STZ on7 Feb 68. Remained there unitil 28 Sept 68, when I went to Can Tho with G3 Shop. Col Hill was C/S at IVCORPS. SFC Hiram Martinez was our Medic in Cao Lanh, and took us thru some hectic times. We were hit hard on 6-7 January 68 with 3 KIC and about 12m WIA. Next time was a 17 Feb, no casualties that time. However, we did have a casualty on the compound which was a small brown and white dog, that was limping across the compound. I went out and got him and brought him over to Hiram for treatment. He tried toy patch up the wound….either shrapnel or bullet hit him in what would be the ankle on a front foot. Terrible pain I know. Horam could not get the stitching to hold, so I told him to try and amputate. He did. Got that little fella doped up, took off the damaged part, stitched the open end, and put him down. I have never seen such a happy little fella as that Dog. Her took off running around the area, visiting some of the other Team members, happy to be alive. He stayed with us for 3-4 days, always coming around to visit. After about 4 days, he departed and we didn’t see him afterwards. I assumed that he might have gone into somebody’ s cook pot but that wasn’t to be. About 2 months later, I saw him coming across the compound again looking for somebody he knew. I picked him up, had a reunion of sorts, gave him some food and water. Put him down and he again made the rounds to other folks. He stayed about a week and then was gone. Didn’t see him again. Great experience, for many of us. The Little Dog, there other Advisors and I, Doc Hiram Martinez . I departed nfor Can Tho shortly afterwards. Glad to hear that Hiram went further with his medical practice. BTW….it was not policy for anybody in Team 50 to get the CIB. Regardless of MOS. So, I checked andf found that the Combat Medic Badge could be awarded, so I put Hiram in for it, and he got it. Glad to hear about him. My best to you and all the former “residents” in Cao Lanh and other nearby places. I visited all of them. Jim Pyle, LTC INF Retired in Alabama.
Dr Fagan,
Thank you for your comments. Were you on the compound, full time, during 68 – 69? I remember being treated by one of your medics – Shannon. Wasn’t for a war wound though- just knee problems. I fell off a bunker, one night, when we were receiving some incoming mortar rounds!!!!!! Some of the missing pieces of the Team 50 puzzle are filling in.
Great to hear from you. I will certainly let you know when I am in CA. I have a very good friend, from Cao Lanh, who now lives in CA. Captain Ho Van Day, he was Headquarters Commandant for the Vietnamese side of the compound. I first became friendly with his children. They would stand, with their friends, at the back side of the compound, near the fuel depot. Loved to give the kids candy etc. I later found out the family actually lived on the compound, at the very back end behind the communications center. There was a row of tin huts for the HQ. 10 years later I was able to sponsor one of the kids.
I only have found memories of my time on Team 50.
Michael,
I believe you were a Sgt at the time. We worked together during some night shifts, in the TOC. As I recall, you did not smoke. Rossi, if my memory serves me correctly, was hit, just below his eye, with a piece of shrapnel. He was CQ that night, and went running through the compound yelling “incoming.” A round hit one of the concrete walkways, just in front of him. If I do not have the story or names exactly right, it is because a great deal of time has passed. However, I do remember you as being very soft spoken. I do recall Team 50 with fond memories. The experience has remained with me for all these years and is one of the most important parts of my life. Please keep in touch, if only through posts on the web site.
Carl
You are correct about Tony and catching the shrapnel below his eye. He was from West Virginia and I have tried to find him for years. I noticed you wrote about Can Tho also. I was there from Dec 67 till about June 68. Have met up with Dale Boatman and Mike Garcia in the past two years. Great guys. One retired from law enforcement and the other as a railroad engineer. Yes—I did time in the TOC also in Cao Lanh. You must have known SSG Ernest Toby. He was both with Team 96 and also 50. You have a good memory for details. I eventually returned to CA after second active duty time. If you are a west coast guy, let me know.
The senior advisor was Col Mitchell J. Hazem. The First Sgt was Charles Japp (I believe from South Carolina). He and I were together initially with 41st Rangers (along with Major Harry Thorn and 2LT or CPT Frank Guilliett. Sgt Japp had a younger brother in the SF unit also in Cao Lanh. Both really good guys.We were located outside of town but ate your food and enjoyed the contact. You mentioned the mortar attacks. A good friend caught some shrapnel during an attack on the compound, possibly in June 1969. Name Tony Rossi of West Virginia. Have been trying to find him for years without luck. Carl—my memory is fading but if you were in TOC at all, we probably met. I was in Can Tho from Dec 67 to Jul 68 and then Cao Lanh until Aug 69.
Remember when Major Thorne and his group got into a bad fire fight and only air support was a couple of us Swampfox BirdDogs with rockets.We did hot rearming at Cao Lahn airfield.I don’t remember how many times but until I took a round in engine but made it back to airfield ok.
Does anyone remember a LTC Alfred E. Horlitz who was at Cao Lanh from about September 1971 to August 1972? He would have been a Sr. Advisor at the time. I am researching his Vietnam service for his family, not former MACV. Thank you all for your service, and for taking the time to read this.
I am Lt C Horlitz’ nephew. I have some photos letters and anecdotes but nothing official . Contact me if any of that would interest you.
Team 50 was set-up to advise the ARVN 44th STZ- Special Tactical Zone. This consisted of the four provinces (Kien Giang, Chau Doc, Kien Phong, Kien Tong) in IV Corps, that bordered Cambodia. Its main mission was to stop infiltration of the NVA, from Cambodia.
Louis,
Did you work with Bruce Ross in G2? I have been trying to find him for almost 45 years.
Louis,
I arrived at Team 50 in September of ’68. Yes, Maj. Reiber was the G2 officer – a really nice boss.
Can ‘t remember the Senior Advisor’s name (Hazen?), but the First Sargent’s name was Japp. It is so great to finally connect with someone that was on the compound. After I was there for a few months, a new communications center was built. Then, a 120 foot high, red and white, radio tower erected. The only thing that was not on it was a blinking red light.
Several weeks later the mortar attacks began…on a regular basis. The Special Forces Team down the road, finally got a chance to see some fireworks.
A month after the communications center was finished, an engineering company, from Cranston RI (my home town), arrived and built a new latrine – with flush toilets! The three seat latrine was finally gone, along with the cut-down, 55 gallon drums under the seats.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I worked in the G2 section as an analyst. Went out on quite a few operations (just to relieve the boredom). Set-up CP’s and my hammock. Also worked nights, for a few months, in the TOC.
I became very good friends with one of my counterparts and, 10 years later, had the opportunity to sponsor one of his children and one grandchild. I have remained very close to them ever since.
I have great memories of my year in Nam and Team 50.
Stay in touch.
Carl
I was assigned as Intel Team Sergeant, Team 50 in July 1969 – Carl must have been leaving about the time I got there. I was at Team 64 for a few days, then Col Hassinger, the Senior Advisor had me moved to Team 50. Major Reiber was the G2.
looking for anyone who served on Team 50 Sept 68 – Sept 69
Carl Weinstein Spec 4, G2 section.
I was the medical doctor for the team that year. Terry Fagan MD. Am enjoying your memories. Major Thorn was memorable for sure. Had medics Martinez and Shannon.
doc,
were you involved with nui coto mt operation xmas week ’68
I was assigned to the G-2, 44th, Adv tm#50 from May 68 until April 69 but spent most of the time hopping around from Moc Hoa and Chi Lang supporting Operation Delta Falcon. I did work in Cao Lanh after returning from R&R and ate Christmas 1968 dinner at Tri Ton supporting an attack on the mountains.. I was an interrogator but the ARVN didn’t want any advice on interrogations so actually as an analyst.
When I arrived at Tm 50, Col Geraci was the SA. His call sign was “Mal Hombre”. He left to become a Brigade CO for one of the 9th Inf Div Brigades. He was replaced by Col Hazem.
Gerald,
I think I remember you. If you had very blond hair, and took care of it like James Dean, then you are the one. I even sat in on an interrogation session of yours. Did you take language classes at the Presidio?
Carl
I had taken German @ the Presidio of Monterey and AFTER my time in RVN went to Vietnamese language training (47 weeks) in DLISW (El Paso, TX) but alas, the war was over before I could leave Travis AFB for my 2d tour. Too bad (haha). I retired from the Army in 1977 as an Interrogation warrant officer.
Kien Phong Provence
Team 50 was based in Cao Lanh
Thank you Carl