Team 61 Chi Lang

MACV Team 61 – Chi Lang

This Page is intended for the discussion of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Team 61 located in Chi Lang.  To post a new comment on this Team page please scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to “Leave a Reply”.

85 thoughts on “Team 61 Chi Lang”

  1. I just watched a Veterans History Project video on YouTube? The person that was interviewed was Harold Crites. He flew an L-19 Bird Dig based at Chi Lang in 1969 or 1970. He was a member of the 221st Aviation Company. He talks about his time at Chi Lang and the place and the people in an extended talk sponsored by the Cincinnati Public Library and the Library of Congress. If you go to YouTube and search for “Harold Crites” you should be able to find it.

    Reply

      • Ken,

        Appreciate, in particular, your contributions to this thread. It was my pleasure to have collaborated with LTC Mulvany in the writing of his memoir, which covers the period Jan 1941 – Aug 1972. A combat veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam (30+ months), LTC Mulvany’s memoir contains two chapters devoted to the war in Vietnam (1962-63/1969-70). Mulvany served as Senior Advisor – MACV Team 61, ARVN National Training Center (NTC), at Chi Lang (Dec 1969 – Jun 1970).

        Please see: “Army Pro: A Memoir of a Soldier’s Life” by the late Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Russell Mulvany, Jr., US Army (Ret.) with Christopher J. O’Shea V (Published 03 July 2021)

        Available now at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble (BN.com)

        “Army Pro” has been well-received since its publication. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s taken the time to read LTC Mulvany’s memoir. I also want to offer special thanks to those who reviewed the book.

        Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

        All the best to you and yours.

        V/r – C J O’Shea

        Reply

  3. Ken,
    Do you remember the big Nui Te Bec fight the week of Jan 21, 1971? It started with an SF/Cambodian recon team being ambushed by local (Tien Bien) VC.
    Thanks
    Jim Sullivan
    USSF ODA 423

    Reply

    • My name is Tom Brooks. E4 72bravo. I was in chi lang the middle of 70. I came from the 335th rrc. In the field five days before my time was up in country. My ride out was on a medivac.

      Reply

      • I’m Mike Fieldman, Chi Lang ’69-’70, my last ride out also was on a medivac during the concerted attack late March or early April ’70

        Reply

        • I was there the first half of 71. Most of my time was on Nui Cam. I was with H Btry 29th Arty (Searchlight) attached to the Rangers at Chi Lang.

          Reply

    • Sorry but I was already in Japan. I remember the air field being at the base of little Nui. I also remember the SF base just inside cambodia

      Reply

  4. I served with C/16th Air Cav (Darkhorse) at Can Tho. We regularly flew to Chi Lang and based from here for ops in Cambodia all the way to Phnom Penh. Tuni, Tuc Mias. We ate at a New Zealand base mess area and they had great chow compared to ours. Also had a Mauri Senior NCO who was a whiz timing the .50 cals on our C&C Huey. I flew OH-6A’s
    Hugh Mills
    Darkhorse 16

    Reply

    • Hugh,
      I remember Darkhorse well. Flew with you on the C&C many times into Cambodia – I was Baron 2 assigned to the SOCC in Chi Lang. Also had Dutchmaster in support.
      Pat Niemann

      Reply

    • I served with Pat Nieman as Baron2A. Great memories of flying with you guys. Got to see parts of Southeast Asia that we’re not on everybody’s itinerary. Thanks to all of you

      Reply

    • Mr Mills,

      My father, Warrant Officer Class 1 Terry Fell, New Zealand Army took photos of the C/16th Air Cav lads while visiting at Chi Lang. He was with the New Zealand Army Training Team based at Chi Lang, National Training Center.
      I have photos of dad seated in a Huey Cobra, and photos of your OH-6A. Love to send you a copy.
      Kind Regards Daryll Fell
      daryllfell(at)hotmail(.)com

      Reply

  6. I was assigned to Team 61, Chi Lang in September 1972 and remained there as the war ended. During this time we experienced no ground attacks but were regularly rocketed. Once the decision was made to pull out all US troops, Team 61 turned over its buildings and all equipment that could not be moved to the South Vietnamese National Training Center staff in January 1973. Everything was inventoried and signed over – tables, chairs etc. Several of us volunteered to be part of the Four Party Joint Military Commission, and we relocated to My Tho, until all troops were redeployed back to the US on or before 31 March 1973. For those two months we had our base split into four parts – US, SVN, NVN and VC while the POWs were being exchanged.

    Reply

    • I knew. Bob Wignall from Ft Bragg before we both went to Vietnam. We were roomies at an apartment in Fayetteville. My friend Bob was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in country and we lost touch thereafter. The last time I saw him was at an evacuation hospital in Long Binh where he was recovering after emergency surgery on his sternum due to wounds from a friendly fire incident. Please get in touch if you are the same man!

      Reply

  7. I was on Team 61 from ’69 to ’70. I have a question concerning Col. Dai, who commanded the ARVN NTC (National Training Center) Chi Lang, at least during the period ’69 – ’70 when LTC Russ Mulvany was the Senior Advisor with Team 61 Chi Lang.

    Does anyone here know anything about Col. Dai; first, am I spelling his name right in English and how is it pronounced, but also what became of him as events unfolded as well as later?

    Also, does anyone know what became of our ARVN translators and cook from that period?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Dai TA was his rank. Dai TA Day was the way we referred to him. I was there from mid 69 to September 71.

      Reply

      • Ken,

        He was still Chi Lang NTC Commander in 1971. I only know a little about him. He refused to allow assistance during a big fight on Nui Te Bec around 01.21.71. And refused to allow us to look for a POW Hospital Cave on Nui Gai after the fight.

        I was SF in B43 and lost a good buddy ( Gerald Kinsman) plus a medic (James Harwood) who were executed.

        I can send you the CIA after action if you would like it.

        Best to you, Jim

        Reply

        • I have been at the sf compound in cantho, chilang, and cambodia. It was the tear down of the sf compound in cambodia. I was in Japan in 71. No trip home,. straight to Japan from svn

          Reply

          • Major Ragusa went up to the outpost on top with a small contingency of Vietnamese to the output on top of the mt. They couldn’t get a medivac chopper to land up top unless there was an American on the top. He came down with the Huey along with the wounded Vietnamese.

            Reply

        • Hi Jimmie, I roomed with Gerry Kinsman at 10th SF Group at Ft Devens until he went to 5th Group. I went to 7/1 st Cav in Vinh Long and we were called to Chi Lang for a big fight. I learned there that he was KIA only to have him listed as MIA when I got back stateside. Can you give me the real story? It’s been a long time but I’d like to know. Gene McKenna Capt. Infantry.

          Reply

          • Gene,
            I will write you tomorrow to give you full scope. Or you can call me at 757-617-1133 tomorrow or after and I will give you the information.
            Very glad to hear from you.
            I went back to Vietnam Jan 2020 to get as close as I could to where Gerry was ambushed. The local People’s Committee was nit located for permission so I had to depart after getting close
            Jim

            Reply

  8. I have pictures of either artillery strikes or bombs dropped on a hill next to what I believe is the Chi Lang camp in Jan thru May, 1966. I could send them to anyone who might be able to verify this.

    Ed Toussaint
    Potomac, MD

    Reply

    • I was detached to Chi Lang from July 70 – Feb 71. I was with H Battery 29th Arty “Searchlights”. I worked the tower for a while then went to Nui Cam mountain were I stayed till I went to the next one( don’t remember name well anymore). I really respected you special forces guy, May god bless you.

      Reply

      • Got in country, Can Tho, December 3, 1970. H Battery 29th Arty. Arrived in Chi Lang around middle of December. Spent 4 to 6 weeks there then Nui Cam. We moved on to some place with automated FDC and antipersonnel radar. Took everything with us jeep, light, everything. It was part of the pull out of combat troops in the delta. Spent the rest of my time at Vinh Long Army Airfield pulling perimeter defense. We had 2 sections there. Sounds like I was following you around.

        Reply

  10. I was at at chi lang in late 68 and early 69
    With the 7/1 air cav. And again in march
    I was a medic and remember a special forces
    Medic named Jeff.Would love to hear from
    Him.Glenn Doc O’leary

    Reply

    • My Father George Gifford Airborne SF. Found out he was at Bu Dop in ’69, senior medic on their team. And he was B-43, I guess that meant he was headed to Chi Lang. Hoping someone might remember him..

      Reply

  11. I was stationed at Chi Lang from July -69 to June -70. 221st aviation co. Flew reconnaissance for the special forces!

    Reply

  12. I was stationed at Chi-Lang South Vietnam from Sep 1971 to May 1972 on the B-43 Special Forces compound with the New Zealand Army Training Team as a Advisor attached out from the 20th Engineer Brigade.

    Reply

    • Richard, I was at Chi Lang from NOV 1970 until we left for Phc Tuy in late 1971. When in camp I enjoyed the humor of you guys. Although, one time during a dart game the loser had to eat an uncooked steak. I was one who lost and hated to waste the steak! You guys and the Austrailian’s were great guys. I am going back to Chi Lang and Phc Tuy Jan 2020. My hutch-mate Gerald Kinsman and medic SGT Harwood were captured in Jan 1971 on Nui Te Bec and I want to see the area. I hope you are well, Jim

      Reply

      • I spent time off and on at chi lang in late
        68 and69 with the 7/1 air cav.I went back this july.Its now an army base and looks quite different.Looking at the sorrounding mountains will help you get your bearings.We spent a
        lot of time at the base of nui coto in the spring
        Assault on the mountain.They have a musuem
        there and you can tour the caves.its facinating to see the inside. They have a rifle range also
        I got to shot an AK 47 a M16 and a M2 carbine
        That was very cool.I remember a special forces medic at chi lang.All I remember is his first nameJeff. I was a medic also and he was helpful to me.I had a great interpreter and guide from Chau Doc.Let me know and I can send you her info. Glenn O’leary

        Reply

  13. I was a O-1 FAC at Chi Lang from July-Dec 69 when I moved to Cao Lanh. My call sign was Bomber 43
    Lt. John York, Lt. Al Gore and Maj. Floyd Gilbert were also there as FAC’s. I believe Col. Asp was the commander. Also remember a Maj. Tom Ragussio (not sure of the spelling)

    Reply

    • Larry,
      My brother-in-law, Tom Ragusa, was a Maj. in while stationed at Chi Lang. His younger brother, Breezie, is my husband. We would be interested un any memories you have of Tom, who passed away several years ago, sadly.

      Reply

      • Carol I apologize for taking so long to respond but I had quadruple bypass in April and oral surgery and eye surgery since so I haven’t spent a lot of time on the computer. Tom was a great guy that we all respected. There was one incident I had with Tom that I will never forget. It’s a little long to type out but if you could give mea call I would love to talk to you. Thanks

        Larry Muench
        502-354-9064

        Reply

      • Dear Carol,

        I am currently editing a military memoir written by LTC Floyd Russell Mulvany, USA (Retired). It covers Russ’ Army career from 23 Jan ’41 thru 01 Aug ’72. Your late brother-in-law Major Tom Ragusa served as Russ’ Executive Officer at the National Training Center – Chi Làng for an indeterminant period during ’69-’70. Mulvany’s chapter on the period June ’69 – June ’70, addresses a portion of Russ’ second tour in Việt Nam. In those pages, Russ (96), has some very nice things to say about Major Tom Ragusa, his competence, courage, and bravery under fire. When I speak with Russ on Sunday, September 9th, I will request his permission to share some of his memories with you and your family. Please standby. Thank you.

        v/r – Chris

        Reply

        • RE: “…Mulvany’s chapter on the period June ’69 – June ’70…” I was with Team 61 at Chi Lang during this period. Will Colonel Mulvany’s memoir be made public or might it be possible to get access to this chapter? Thanks

          Reply

          • Hi Michael,

            Russ’ manuscript will be published (hopefully) in the second quarter of 2019. My goal is to take it to press in time for for us to celebrate his 97th birthday in style. His memoir is a work in progress, but it will be available to the general public. When time permits, please send me an email by return and we can compare notes. Thank you.

            v/r Chris

            Reply

            • FORTHCOMING MEMOIR BY THE LATE LTC F. R. (“RUSS”) MULVANY, US ARMY (Ret.), SENIOR ADVISOR – MACV TEAM 61 (DECEMBER 1969 – JUNE 1970)

              “Army Pro: A Memoir of a Soldier’s Life”, by LTC Floyd R. (“Russ”) Mulvany, US Army (R) with C. J. O’Shea V. “Army Pro” is the story of one soldier’s remarkable 20th-century journey as a member of the United States Army (January 1941 – August 1972).

              LTC Mulvany served a total of thirty months in Vietnam. Chapter 21 covers his second tour, where he served with the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV), Headquarters, (Sài Gòn), Studies and Observations Group (SOG), as Deputy Director, Ground Operations (OPS-35), June – November 1969; and at the ARVN National Training Center (NTC), Chi Làng, as Senior Advisor, MACV Team 61, December 1969 – June 1970. Chapter 17 covers his first tour, where he served with the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), I Corps as ARVN Senior Advisor, Civil Guard (CG) and Self Defense Corps (SDC) Units, at Huế City, June – July 1962; and at ARVN I Corps Headquarters, Đà Nẵng City, as Senior Advisor (G-3), Airborne, Operations, and Training, August 1962 – December 1963.

              LTC Mulvany served in three wars: World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. In addition to his enlisted service in the US Army Air Corps during the Second World War, he later served in the Officers Corps as a proud member of US Army Infantry, Airborne, and Special Forces units. His honors included, among others, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, World War II Victory Medal w/2 service stars, World War II American Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal w/5 Campaign Stars.

              Initially available in paperback (8”x10”) and digital format through Amazon.com.
              Publication: June 2021

              Reply

          • Sam,

            “Army Pro: A Memoir of a Soldier”s Life” will be published next month (June 2021). Initially, it will be available in an 8″x10″ paperback through Amazon.com. LTC Mulvany died of natural causes in Rancho Mirage, CA on June 18, 2019.

            His remains are interred at Riverside National Cemetery (CA).

            V/r – Chris

            Reply

      • Dear Carol,

        I spoke by telephone with Russ Mulvany within the past hour. He was saddened to learn of Tom’s untimely death. Russ will be pleased to chat with either you or your husband anytime. You can find my public profile, wherein you will also discover my personal email address and private mobile number. Feel free to contact me either by email or text and I’ll forward Russ’ pertinent contact information. In the interim, be well, do good work, and keep the lights of your life shining bright.

        v/r – Chris

        Reply

  15. I was at Chi Lang Oct 66 to Sept 67 as a part of FAC team. Capt. David McKenna and Mag Glenn Campbell were pilots of O1E. Our unit was 22TASS out of Bihn Thouy near Can Tho.

    Reply

  16. Was assigned as Naval Liason Officer 9th ARVN advisory team Chi Lang late 71 -Sept through December after the move to Rach Gia (spelling?). Can remember just a few. Capt Flauto, Capt Sydnor and Col Harris.

    Reply

  17. I was with Tm 64 in Tri Ton June 67 to Sep 67. We got our mail and some supplies from Chi Lang. One night we got reports of a large …very large enemy force heading our way. Where they were located at that time was out of our 105s range or protected by the terrain, I dont remember which. Anyway they were within range and accesable to the 155s at Chi Lang. Thanks to a serious barrage of willy peter….that ended that. Decimated them. Will never forget that night…and the 155s from Chi Lang that saved our ass.

    Reply

  19. The Air Force team at Chi Lang in the first half of 1966 consisted of two Forward Air Control pilots, Capt Don Taylor (Virginia) and Capt Dean Eggen (Kansas). Their radio call sign was Beaver 98. The crew chief on their O-1 Bird Dog plane was A1C Tom Toussaint (NJ). The radio operator was Art Fromm (Ohio).

    The team and their airplane had been moved from Long Xuyen because of increased enemy activity closer to the Cambodian Border.

    One FAC pilot reported he hit a large Banyan tree on a hill in the middle of the Chi Lang camp. He was practicing dropping rocket tubes filled with mail to see if these worked better than what they were using previously. His attention was on the ground, when he sensed something in front of him. He tore several branches off the tree trying to avoid running into it.

    Reply

  20. My bad brothers – Advisory Team 61 was located with the 9th ARVN Division. SOCC was detached from Team 60 out of Sa Dec. Teams 60 and 61 did not share the same compound. SOCC was stationed with the 44th STZ at the Chi Lang Ranger compound. Got to looking thru my records and found the discrepancy. Sorry.

    Reply

  21. Team 61 (SOCC) had a 2 man USAF FAC radio element assigned. Daily operational control was USA while administrative control was USAF.

    Reply

  22. My brother, A2C Tom Toussaint, was stationed at Chi Lang for at least the last several months of his time in Vietnam which ended in June 1966.

    He was most likely a crew chief on a O1-E Bird Dog that was Forward Air Control plane.

    He began his tour on Advisory Team 53 at either Long Xuyen or Can Tho. He was also at Soc Trang and had been in both Thailand and Laos on assignments.

    Even though he was a USAF Reciprocating Engine guy, the pictures I have show him with a Bird Dog plane with US Army markings.

    Where did members of these Advisory Teams report into? Did USAF guys report into Army people?

    Reply

    • I was at Chi Lang from Oct1966-Sept1967. Our FAC , USAF, team of five people reported to 22nd TASS at Binh Thuy.

      Reply

  24. Team 61 was located in Chi Lang – A part of team 61 was relocated as the Support Operations Coordination Center in support of cross border operations from 1970 – 1972.

    Reply

Leave a reply to Michael Fieldman Cancel reply