MACV Team 75 – My Tho.
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MACV Teams
Military Assistance Command Teams Vietnam
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My grandfather, Lt John V. Daly, served with advisory team 85 from 1969-1970. We don’t have much information on it and all we have is a bunch of pictures and it would be awesome to find out more about this team.
You might want to do a search for Adv Tm 85.
Aloha, my Father, MAJ Francis Logan, was assigned as the Senior Regimental Advisor to the 10th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division (ARVN) Jan-Dec 1965, and participated in the Tien Giang Operation 28 Apr – 5 May 1965. Any information from this distinguished group would be greatly appreciated.
Hoping to find anyone knowing my grandfather . Maj Richard Drisko.
Chuck Paskovics, served MACV Advisory Team 75 From September 1965 to September 66. Spent 6 months at the Seminary and Transferred down to HOUSE One on My Tho. Great Group of about 10 of us. Col Martin asked me to say another 6 months. Sorry just got married less than 2 months before VN assignment. Also, I was getting out of the Army. So 22 years later I retired AD from the Army.
FIRST TOUR AUG 64-65 WAS SGT E-5 FOR THE FULL YEAR ON TEAM 75,,,RETURNED AS CPT IN 1968 WITH 5th SPECIAL FORCES MILE FORCE OUT OF CAN THO……FUNNY BUT SECOND TIME WORKED SOME OF THE SAME AREAS THREE YEARS LATER….SAW LITTLE CHANGES.,,,,,JW COOK
Hi Paskovics. Don’t know if you remember Ken Spear from the Seminary. I got there in Jan 66 and left in Feb 67. I have pictures of us listening to music that you and a friend recorded on an Akai. My email address is kjspear@mchsi.com. Hope you are well.
Chuck: Don’t know if you will remember me, but I remember you from when I was assigned to Tm 75 in Aug ’65. Was a clerk in Admin due to my secondary MOS, but primary MOS was 11B. MSG Nicolosi was in Intel and recruited me to be a radio operator for his field team when it accompanied the ARVN recon during field ops. COL Berry was the Sr Advisor and I served as his clerk/driver when back in the Seminary. In February ’66, I was reassigned to an Inf Bn Advivsory Team along with CPT Charles Campbell, 1LT James Miller and SFC Pat Neely until early in May when I was reassigned to the House One, District Team in My Tho because of an injury and surgery. Remained there until I DEROS’d in Aug ’66 as a SP4. If this rings any bells and you want to reconnect, reach out through email. It would be good to catch up. Tom Gibbons
I was at MyTho from September 66 to September 67. Served with 52nd Signal – Voice of the Delta as a 72B40. It was good duty durning that year. Usual alarms etc. Had a close call in Can Tho.
Ronald Boxmeyer – Team 75 MyTho, CaiBe, Ben Phu,, Go Cong – served under Cpt. Counts with Sergent Jennins and Sgt Shropshire. Eventually assigned as advisor recon company at MyTho. Benning OCS prior to RVN.
When were you there?
I was there from dec.67 to Jun 68 Sgt Richard Hansen medic My Tho
Thank you.
I was with the 3/10 7th ARVN division based out of Ben Tre from March 67 through June 68. I’m looking for Avery Smith, Tom Canada and Ron Macy. Bill Vines and Walt Roedel both passed.
Yes
You found me, Chuck! Email me at: awsmithii@comcast.net
Hey, Chuck!
You found me! Awsmithii@comcast.net
Did anyone know my grandpa Wayne Henry Hoffner?
My Tho served 1967 till 1968. was a medic at the seminary. serveved under colonel Meyers
Hi Tran, I served as asst G2 advisor to 7th ARVN, 12th Recon Advisor, Cpt Tieu and G2 Advisor to LTC Ton. JAN OF 69 to Jan 70.Les weisenhorn worked in G2 sectiom and as RTO when I was in the field. Hope this helps Jim Dunne
Does anyone know how to contact CPT Joe Haynes? He was in the admin section of Team 75 in Dong Tam
Opps. Spelled the name wrong. CPT Joe Hynes
Tran,
I was An US Infantry 1LT, advisor to 7th ARVN, Division Recon, from May thru Nov. 1969. I did not know your grandfather. I have not been able to find what happened to any of my ARVN counterparts.
Do not know what you have done in tryin to find the advisor. I was already 26 years old at that time. I would guess that the American senior advisor to 11 Regt. Would have been a 1LT,
CPT. or a Major. But with Vietnamization going by 1971 they could have been using NCO’s or lesser ranks who might have been 19 years old.
I suggest you put this same query in a message to Counterparts, a organization of former advisors, if you have not. They have a web site.
You could also try same message with VFW, etc. At one time I heard from a vet who was trying to make a list of advisors, counterparts, etc. I will have to search fo that info as I am on my cell phone. I do not know your situation but would want to converse with a parent or guardian or adult. I sure would like to help as I am sure any advisor would
We must have been like “Ships passing in the night.” I served with team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970 arriving about a week after SFC Kanji Yoshino, and Capt. Andrew Gregory Kirchmayer were killed. I replaced them for a couple of months on the 2/11th while the battalion rebuilt. When a more senior officer arrived, I was transferred to the Division Recon company as the senior advisor. After I arrived at the Division Recon Company many of the Vietnamese spoke highly of you. My RTO was Sgt. Brewer. I have tried to locate him but have been unsuccessful. All I can remember, he was an 18 or 19-year-old kid from Kentucky. By any chance, do you remember him, know his first name or have any contact information for him.
Bob,
In early May after Jungle School in CZ I originally went to 9th US at Dong Tam. I was going thru new officer /NCO orientation and was called to Division where I was asked a few questions and a few days later transferred to TM 75. I replaced Lt Bodie who went to 9th as Adj to general.After only a few opns we left 24 May to NTC at Chi Lang & did not return till July6.
I left Div recon on about Nov 25 1969, my RTO was Sgt. Gerry R Gaby, I have talked to him once by phone, lives in VA.I understand that after Nam he may have enlisted in Marines and went back to Nam? My replacement was a LT from Redlands CA . Have his name in a notebook I can’t find. our CO a Capt had been hit in stomach by AK before I arrived and was in Company recovering during my tour. In one of the other recon’s was a Sgt Whittiker I think and another a Lt Whitten, from N. AL (never able to locate him).
Gaby spoke fluent vietnamese. He had gone to language school. He had been wounded in sholder by schrapnel earlier but it had healed by the time I arrived.. I have a playbook of all my operations thru Oct 31. 1969. Nov I do’t have any listed? I did not know Kirhmayer but I went to his memorial service on 22 Nov. He drown in a river crossing as I remember. Was a joint service with SFC Yoshino. I did not know him either.
I can give you more names later. My twin brother was a AL and later FL Natl Guard MP. My grandad was a WWI vet in Brest France. My Dad was older in WWII and was in training units at Craig, Blanding and Hunter. Was in guard and reserve for 25 yrs plus. Retired as MSgt in 187 Tac recon ANG in Montgomery. I live in Prattville, AL. onsitesam@charter.net.
Sam
Thank you for your help sir. I have been doing this research for about 2 years now with mostly dead ends. I’m going off information I acquired from my grandmother and a former ARVN 7th division member which isn’t much. This is the closest I’ve gotten in a few months yet I feel like I am still looking in the wrong direction.
Some more information I failed to mention in my initial comment. My grandfather was actually a Captain in 1970. He was with the 7th Division, 1st Battalion, 10th Regiment at Kien Hoa. In 1971 he transferred to My Tho which was apparently called Dinh Tuong. At this point which is early 1971 he was still a Captain with the 7th Division, Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion, and 11th Regiment. All the unclear information and name swaps that happened made it very confusing to try and find anything valid. According to my grandma she met 2 advisors (1 black and 1 white, trivial information but may be helpful) in Kien Hoa (1970) and 2 more in My Tho (1971) (Both white). Maybe I am looking in the wrong place?
I have tried counterparts but no results fitting the parameters above gave me any results. I am not sure what a VFW is, if you could explain that sir that would be wonderful.
As for my situation, my mother aside from my amenities leaves me to my own accord and my grandmother does not speak english. At this point this search if more like a hobby to me. Aside from that I have usual thing to do such as schooling and work. I am currently a candidate for the United States Air Force Academy and I was hoping I could further my search there upon acceptance.
Thank you for helping me with this search sir. If you could provide me with a reference or a direction I could go in that would be great.
-Dang Tran
I note that you are applying to the AF Academy. If you are accepted, let me know. I am up the road some 60 miles in Denver. I was initially assigned to a headquarters company in Saigon when I got to Viet Nam on June 16, 1967. After two months of that, I wrangled a reassignment and was sent to Team 75 in My Tho. There, I was an Order of Battle Advisor to the 7th Div G-2 and also, on a rotating basis, infantry advisor to the 7th, 11th and 12th Recon Companies from August 20, 1967 to January 16, 1969. (I extended 6 months because I didn’t want to go back to Ft. Holabird in Baltimore.) I really enjoyed working with my counterparts and wonder what happened to them. One of them, the Division G-2, was Major (later Lt. Col.) Binh. Somewhere back in the mists of time, I recall that I was led to understand that he was Nguyen Cao Ky’s nephew.
Did you know SFC Charles A. “Chuck” Jones. He was hit by a land mine on May 19, 1969 & died May 22.
Hello. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dang Tran. I am currently 16 and a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. I feel like I should not be on this forum so please forgive my intrusion. I am looking for the advisors of MACV Team 75, specifically the ones attached to the ARVN 7th Division, 11th Infantry Regiment commanded by Major Duc Nguyen in 1971. Major Duc Nguyen is my grandfather and he died in late 1971 due to a VC trap. All information I have of him was given to me by one of his underlings who I am still in contact with today. I want to find the advisors who knew him. Thank you!
Chuck Recorr might have known your grandfather. His telephone number is (919) 357-3497 or (919) 829-2012 and email address is charles_recorr@ml.com. I’m sending this as he may miss your posting.
Thank you sir. I have already contacted Captain Recorr.
Tran
I was assigned to Team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970. I was first assigned as an advisor to the 2/11 battalion for 6 or 7 weeks and transferred to the Division Recon company as the senior advisor for 9 months. The 2/11 commander was a major and the Recon Company Commander was a Capt. unfortunately too much time has passed and I don’t remember their names but I do have photos of them I would be happy to share with you to see if one of them is your grandfather. I will also forward your note to other advisors who were assigned to the 11th regiment about the same time. If interested in the photos my email is rlee343@comcast.net.
Thank you sir. I have emailed you a response already. If you did not receive it you can contact me through my email, dang.htran15@gmail.com
I’m looking for any photos of Maj dick Drisko
It was either late 1967 or sometime after the 1968 Tet Offensive that the Seminary took some nighttime small arms fire. With typical American over-reaction, gun ships at Dong Tam were called which shot up the perimeter leaving some dead and wounded civilians who had been living in the shacks built next to the compound. The next day, concerned that Vietnamese civilians took casualties, Lt. Col. Meyer (sp?) visited the families to apologize and offer compensation. One of the dead was an old lady. Her son responded, “She was an old lady and going to die anyway.” But, one of his very hogs was also killed and he wanted to be paid for it. But, as to his mom, not so concerned and reiterating, “She was old and going to die anyway.” But, his hogs, very valuable.
John, I remember! December 17 1967! I was on guard that night in the bunker next to the MAC V Office!
i was there also in I arrived in my tho in dec,1967 I was aa medic sp4 Richard hansen at the time.
I always did like LTC Meyer. I once jumped out of the mortar pits with my machete and cut his growing rubber tree down. The rest of the mortar team all let out a simultaneous ooh, but never a word was said. I think that was the night the training camp across the tree line was being attacked and I had to fire some close support as well as illumination for them. We had friends there that night and so it was personal. The rubber tree had grown large enough that I couldn’t see my aiming stakes.
some where in the month of feb 1968 on chinas new year
Sorry can’t help you. I arrived seminary August 1966. Email address is same as MACV advisory team in My tho
Michael I know this is not the way you’re supposed to do this but my mines kind a left me but , I arrived and My Tho I think around February 10 to the 12th assigned to the 2d Signal Group and I think you were there at that time I work with pappy is about the only one I can remember but if you have time you can email me at JJG 7280@gmail..com Space or call me 1 828 638 5741
Craig,
Unlikely, but do you know the date you fired support for the Training Center? On 16 June 1968, I was the Acting Senior Advisor to one of the Infantry Battalions co-located with the Training Center. That night a VC company infiltrated our sister battalion position (they were out in the field) and launched an attack from within our defensive wire. The results were devastating and I am positive that without illumination I would not be here today. Thanks for the support and I think I do remember the rubber tree.
1st/Lt (then) Charles, “Chuck” Re Corr
Chuck, I was stationed with the artillery battalion headquarters To your south that night. It’s along time ago, but I’m pretty sure we fired support for you. My memory was that you were overrun. We had met previously at the seminary. I was a 1LT arty advisor. Arrived in my tho May, 1968.
We suffered 47 KIA and 63 WIA. Every one in the Command Post was killed except for me. The illumination rounds you fired gave me the edge in that I could see their final assault element but they didn’t see me. I was able to force their withdrawal with rifle fire and hand grenades. There has not been a day in my life that I don’t think about that action and how luck I am. In my mind without the illumination I would have been dead with all the others. Thanks!
Sorry we couldn’t do more. Where do you live.
Hi Chuck, I did not serve in Vietnam, I was too young but I did serve in the Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985, peacetime. Thank you for your service. I am doing some digging on a good friend of mine’s Uncle SSGT Wilhelm Dammer who died on May 5th 1968. Do you have any memories that I can relay to my friend ? I appreciate it. Robert Korn
Chuck, Boy, did that touch my heart. At the time, I knew a couple of the Sgts who were there that night, or at least I thought they were. We would sit together in the EM club often. We knew they were in trouble which caused us to go all out that night to help. All we heard at the time was that sappers had gotten inside the training camp. So many of our fire missions were flares around our compound and some times HE when someone called for it. But that night was the real thing. I’m thankful that Maj. Devlin from G2 helped us to set up two 81s in addition to the two 60s we had prior to that time. Those 60s never had aiming stakes and were simply pointed. He installed aiming stakes and taught us how to be an efficient crew. I remember his telling us how he used them down in the Dominican Republic years before.
I never knew what happened that night till now. I’m so thankful that we were able to help. I always loved my part as gunner on gun #1. I loved being a part of the team and how well we all worked together. The Major asked me one night if I’d go out in the field with him and carry his radio.
I got chewed out the next morning by the 1st Sgt and was told that was not my job, but I’ve always appreciated Major Devlin for that as well as forming our team. It added much to my two years there at the Seminary, first as the mail clerk and then keeping the books and helping run the EM and Officers Club.
YES I remember Lt Col Myers. I was there under his command. nov,67 till jun 68. I WAS medic there I was 23yrs old n now 77. can still remember bits n pieces of my tour. The last month I was there I had a run with a Capt who was a doctor. Col Myers reprimanded me. lol no big thing. The Capt was a asshole
r. Hansen sp5
ricknpolo33yahoo.com
I was there till sept 1967.
Al Vanderbush is my name. I remember that also. I was a G-3 advisor.
A Captain or a Major then.
I remember you. I think I have a picture of you playing volleyball on the court in front of the Seminary. The reason I took the picture was that David Halberstam’s book, One Hot Day, recounted a volleyball game being played with a sandbagged bunker and a Christian cross overhead. Or something like that. Weren’t you an All-American football player who went to West Point?
I was capt kercull mc. Left adv team 75 Aug 1967 before TET.sorry I can’t help you
Yes, was in 1960
I am Sanford Leake was Deputy HQ Comander Capt at the time. Served as Advisor to 12 ARVN Long Range Recon Company and Advisor to 12 Battalion. I remember this very well. We were being hit from all sides snd the Artillery and Gunships were used to protect us from being overrun. I remember both you and Heard. Have lost touch with most folks and would love to reconnect. Any one know where Chuck McCarthy is located?
I WAS ALSO THERE DURING TET. Richard Hansen SP5 medic
I don’t was there during the Tet offense I was a medic spec5 Hansen there was five of us in the dispensery at the compound we aided many civilians during Get I was there from 67 to .68 I knew col. Meyers
Vietnam s Coconut Monk in his tower at the east end of his floating platform refuge at the very eastern tip of his island in the Mekong River near My Tho, VIetnam.
The Coconut Monk lived in Kien Hoa province east of the connecting road from the My Tho ferry terminal in Kien Hoa to Ben Tre. In 1963, he became aware of a story about President Kennedy concerning a coconut and he wanted the Kien Hoa advisory team (Team 93) to come to his home area and get a coconut that he had carved with a request for peace and send it to Kennedy. We went to his location and attempted to accommodate him. I remember going to his location and meeting a person who spoke English, but I don’t recall whether we were able to complete the Coconut Priest’s request.
I am Lt. Arthur Carter Rogers. I was an Artillery Advisor in Kien Hoa Province from September 1962 to about March of 1963, then my MOS changed to Infantry Advisor in Kien Hoa Province. I served in there until toward the end of August of 1963 when I returned to the States.
Lt. Recorr and I took a couple Donut Dollies by ferry over to Coconut Island in approximately December 1968. (We knew it as VC Island.) We got a full tour of the place and an audience with the Monk. He didn’t say anything as he had vowed not to speak until reunification of the North and South. (If my memory is correct, he had been educated as an engineer in France.) Although I couldn’t understand much of it and capture all of the nuances, there was a religious theme to the place — a mixture of Cao Dai, Buddhism, and Christianity. But there were lots of nods, grins and well wishes. I have pictures if anyone is interested.
Did not serve with Team 75, but I was in My Tho from April ’67-Jul ’68 when my luck ran out. My first visit to Coconut Island confused me as I could not understand why the swastikas? Found out later it was a Buddhist symbol of some kind. I was there THAT morning, 31Jan1968 and in ’08 I sent an e-mail to my other PBR buddies in RivDiv 533 on the 40th anniversary. Started out as a short e-mail, but one memory after of that week came back and ended up as a 4-page document! I’m happy to send it to any of you who were there that week. You can contact me at philippepinot@reagan.com. I was fascinated reading all of your comments and my fellow River Rat Jon (Druid Romeo), your call sign is familiar as I knew a patrol officer, Dick Strandberg, whose call sign started with Druid. He went to 522 out of Vinh Long and was there during Tet.
Ken Delfino
RivDiv 533
10/66-7/68
Anyone on here serve with my grandfather in Vietnam First Sergeant E-8 Robert Carl Blevins Sr ? He joined Army Airborne in 1951 and retired in 71. Did two combat tours in Vietnam and was there in 65 66 68 69 70. Saw action with the 173rd 101st and the 82nd. He was Airborne artillery. He was stationed at FSB Kelly and FSB STINGER. He served with MACV by training South Vietnamese Artillery battalions in the Mekong Delta. I believe.
I may have know him feel free to calll me 479 936 o102
Hi Team 75. I was an 1/11 Battalion Advisor from 1/69-8/69, a DTOC Duty Officer from 8/69-1/70, and HQ Company Commander from 1/70-7/70, at the Seminary and then at Dongtam. It was a great experience serving with patriotic Americans: I was drafted too, didn’t try to dodge it and did my best. I’m 75 now and doing well, and hope you are also. All the best to you and yours.
i WAS AN ADVISOR ON TEAM 75 FROM OCT 64-OCT 65 AND WAS PROMOTED TO E-6 IN AUG 65…..THE TOUR MUST HAVE BE GOOD FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS PROMOTED TO E-7 IN 1966, AND 2LT IN 1967, 1LT IN 1968, AND CPT IN 1969 AFTER ANOTHER TOUR WITH SPECIAL FORCES 1968-1969,,,,,,RETIRED 1979……JACKIE W. COOK 512-280-0882 AUSTIN, TX.
Hello Mr. Cook
Thank you for your service!
My dad (Donald T. Ford) was an advisor in 1965 with 2nd battalion 10th regiment, 7th infantry division, he severed a 2nd tour as 1st sgt 1967/68 with 199th lib, company A 3/7 infantry.
I served also in army with 172nd artic LIB and the 101st was honorable discharge May 1979.
Wesley Ford
weskat.ford@verizon.net
MACV 75
3/10/7 Ben tre April 67- July 68
Anybody still around?
Chuck, Chuck Re Corr here. I was Asst Ben Advisor under Fred Grotesque (spelling?)
Were you stationed in Ben Tre? Which battalion?
Did you know Walt Roedel or Bill Vines or Tom Canada or Macy?
Tommy Canada was my light weapons advisor. memory is very vague. I think I was with the 2nd Bn. I believe Tommy and I were with the Bn in a night blocking position west of the city when Tet started. VC went right through our position in the very early morning hours. We counter attacked (if you could call it that) to our Regimental HQ. Very dicey for many days.
Hope you are well.
Chuck
I remember Capt Fred. Major Shipman was the senior advisor to the 10th regiment. Capt Haywood and LT Smith were my team leaders. Canada (Ben Tre) , Rodell (Ba Tree), Vines (Ba Tree) and Macy – ARVN Rangers (Ben Tre) were the non comms with assorted battalions.
We were all young once
Does anyone remember Captain Warren Headlough. I know he was assigned to Team 75 in 1963 and or 64.
send me your email address and I will send pdf list of advisors at seminary 1967
Can you send me a list of Advisors as well? My dad was Ron Veasey My Thou 67. I am Christy his daughter
see list below. The list is complete as of June 1967
Chuck Re Corr, with Fred Groat’s (spelling) team. Fist assignment was Regimental ReCon Company Advisor
APRIL 67 THRU APRIL 68 WITH THE 52 SIGNAL BALITILION WORKING THE PHONE SYSTEM AND I AM STILL ALIVE AND WELL AT 72
Michael, I was at the seminary from December 1967 to around June 1968 with the 52nd Signal Bat, later transferred to Dong Tam. I was a field radio repair guy and traveled around the Delta fixing all types of communications equipment. My friend Grant Lunn was a phone operator. Thomas Colandro ran the generators at the seminary.
Mark, I hope you can clear up something for me about the Seminary building, the interior. I was there in ’64; had a bed upstairs for awhile before I got reassigned.
Now, the two bars and lounges were upstairs. Was the large room where we watched those B-movies on the 2nd floor or downstairs behind the kitchen area?
Thanks,
Chris
Chris, the room we watched the movies (when I was there) was downstairs where we ate, off from the kitchen. Maybe some of you guys will remember this incident. We were watching the movie “The Dirty Dozen” and Lee Marvin just shot the rope out from under Telly Savalas at that moment a B40 rocket hit the outside wall and mortars and small arms fire started, we were under attack. I though I was going to die that night, a few guys were wounded from the rocket attack. It was chaos, people were yelling, mortars dropping in and lots of small arms fire and the movie was still playing until I think somebody knocked the projector to the floor. I don’t remember much about about the downstairs other than there were officers and the doctor had his exam room there. I lived upstairs in a big room that had the standard metal army bunks one on the bottom and one on the top, I have a photo or two of upstairs.
I was there from June 67 till June 68. I remember the Dirty Dozen attack very well. I was senior advisor to the 12 battalion’s 7th group and long range recon group. Was also the Depty HQ commander I was running the projector that evening. It ran during the attack and was only turned off when the attack ended. Was a “fun” night. Ha
I wish there was a photo page associated with this group I have a bunch of photos I could share.
Upload them onto Tumblr, or someplace like that. Name the group “Seminary My Tho”. Then direct people to that site and your photos. I’m not real experienced when it comes to things like that, but I’ve seen others do it. Perhaps someone on Tm 75 knows how it is done.
Thanks, Mark, for the reply and info. Watching films in the mess hall makes sense. Double bunks upstairs!? yeah, in 64 we each had double beds with large mosquito nets, more room, about 30 guys up there.
I was a medic over there. We had a small clinic in the back, beyond the breezeway.
i was on the switchboard one night when it took a direct hit on top in the sand bags which contained it –that was a hell of a blast that shook things loose in the van and left me hard of hearing –
you might be the medic that gave me that shot in the ass for that std i cough down town
Yep I remember that incident! I was watching the movie in the mess! I remember 3 guys from the 52 sig got hit. My bunk was also upstairs in the big room. We may have know each other? email me dultzcndsplc@aol.com. Most of us went by nick names, mine was California. Hung out with John Pappas (Pappy) and Bruce Brown (Skin Head )
California. If I remember right you and your friend made us all get up one night for an alert. Something about a pig across the river? lol. One of the signal guys during the Dirty Dozen attack was a farm boy from Minnesota. I think he got some shrapnel in his hand or arm and was medevacked. He always worried about getting hit and wanted to wear his flack jacket but iirr the guys kidded him that night and maybe he didn’t have it on. He was my asst gunner on the mortars and I always enjoyed sitting up at night listening to his stories.
I WAS ON DUTY IN DISPANSARY WHEN ATTACKED OCCURED DRING THE DIRTY DOZEN MOVIE
The movies were shown in the mess hall which on the first floor, the officer’s and Enlisted bars were on the second floor above the mess hall. Company grade officer’s quarters were on first floor, field grade and enlisted were on second floor, and NCOs were in what had been a chapel when it was a Seminary. Later they built a building for a security squad quarters on the edge of the basketball court.
When I was at the Seminary from July 66 to July 67, the generators were operated by a Vietnamese, most often referred to as Ding Dong. He lived directly across the road from the compound. When I first got to the Seminary there was only one 100 kw generator, I can’t remember the brand name. This generator was located at the back of the compound near the canal. Fortunately when the compound was fired on in June of 66 it was not damaged. Not long after I got there I was tasked with finding another 100 kw generator to be used as a back up. I found one in Saigon and was able to trade for it. We had a 2 1/2 ton Navy truck that we used for a supply truck. When we loaded the generator on the truck the front wheels came off the ground. Was able to trade that truck at the Navy motor pool for a larger truck to move the generator to the Seminary.
I actually have photos (somewhere) of the two generators that were there in 68. The only Vietnamese I remember working there was the barber and the kitchen help. After TET we got rid of the barber because we suspected he was VC and knew where to drop the mortars in on the compound.
The generator at the back was yellow and was old, the other generator, if I remember correctly, was OD and made by Toyota. It was in a more protected area beside the Seminary. The barbershop was in the original gatehouse. A couple of months before I came home in July of 67, I had the Officer and EM clubs renovated. They had gotten banged up pretty badly in June 66 when the VC fired on the outpost across the canal and the Seminary.
I was at the Seminary from Jan 66 to Feb 67. We must have known each other. SP5 in the Admin Office. Worked for Col John E Lance Jr.
Over the coarse of a year or so from 68-69 there must have been at least a half dozen short rounds (illumination) that were to over the canal behind us that landed in the compound right next to those generators. I’d see them still stuck in the dirt in the mornings and just shake my head and was thankful we never took out our own generators with those 81s that couldn’t make it over the walls. My guess is the powder bags never ignited and that was as far as they could go.
Hello Daniel,
Were you a professor of Military History at Mississippi State ROTC? If so I was one of your students. Would love to catch up with you. Thank you for all your help at MSU!
Sincerely,
Daniel Baugh
I was an Assistant PMS at MSU in 1967-69. Thank you very much for the compliment
i was real short with about 5 weeks left before i went back to the states on april 16 -68 -the week of the heavy fighting i was on r&r and when i got back i didnt know where i was with the town being destroyed–it was a whole new game then –i was glad to be dragging up and heading out
i was a switch board operator for a while then i got to go out side and do installs and phone repair –i got to fly equipment out to no where from time to time in any way i could –once on a pbr –i was sent to go cong for a few months to set up an sb86 and a angry 50 –it was a micro wave link back to mytho –i was glad to leave there-where you living now –i am in nevada north of vegas and east of death valley in a town name pahrump –it is a valley of a little of everything here –a zoo in the desert plus a side show lol we are all out laws and dont put up with no bs
I’m originally from Brooklyn but now living in Vero Beach Florida.
i was living in palm harbor where i moved to when i got out of the army –then i sold out in 1990 and came out west to nevada –best move i ever made
I was an advisor ro 11th Recon Co. September 68 to August 69. I also am in Vero Beach.
Did you know SFC Charles A. “Chuck” Jones, are Aug 68. Wounded May 19, 1969, died May 22, 2969. He was at My Tho & Ben Tre.
Did you serve with Sgt Bill Vines.
yes. Bill and I remained friends until his death. Did you know Roedel and Canada?
Didn’t I go on R&R to Hong Kong with you and Walt Roedel. Gary Reithmeier. Team 75 April ‘67 to May ‘68. I was at the Seminary for about a month then with the 11th Regiment in Long Dinh for the rest of the time.
I went with Walt to HK; don’t remember hanging with anyone else. Sorry. We had an outstanding, never to be forgotten, great time in HK. I was stationed in Ben Tre during my tour. Walt and I hung together on the mainland until his death from cancer; he was a very good friend.
Sorry to hear about Walt. He was a nice guy.
I was at the Seminary from July 66 to July 67. Does anyone remember the local young man who was the handyman. His was most commonly referred to as Ding Dong. He kept the the generators running.
Danny, yes I remember Ding Dong. Sometime either before or after TET he was called back into the Army. iirr the monkey was sent to his house and I heard it was killed during TET. I hung around with Sgt Harris (he was there for 4 1/2 years before going home) who worked with Ding Dong. I remember the three of us coming back from picking up supplies in Saigon in that old Blue Ford? truck at dusk. I wasn’t slowing down for anything as it was going to be dark soon. I passed one truck with another coming. That meant 3 abreast and I still remember Ding Dong and Harris giving me that “I sure hope this works” look as we all made it. Might have clicked mirrors but we made it back just before dark. I was there from Mar 67 thru May 69. First year as mail clerk and the second year I took over the Mess Assoc just before you left. I finally found the shuffleboard set to balance long after auditors gave us new numbers to work with.
I’ll never forget Ding Dong sitting on his heals cutting up a cereal box or something similar to make a gasket for I think the carb on one of the Jeeps. I think it was after you left that we bought a soft ice cream machine for the mess hall. Later we had an IG insp and got gigged for paying for it out of the Mess Assoc, but who cares, we all loved the ice cream.
I was a sector pilot for the 7th ARVN Div in Dinh Toung 1967-68. I was med evac-ed on July 2nd ’68 by LTC Phuc and a Major Morris. Anyone remember them?
Rich
Hi Rich, Ken Pepper here.From July 1967 until Jan 1968 I was crew chief for Capt R Jones and and Capt N Wood. I stayed at the seminary. My position was on the roof. I remember almost nightly mortar attacks. Any memories of either of my pilots?
Hi Ken,
Glad to here from you. I can fill you in on what I remember. It is nice hearing from someone who was at the same place at the same time. My email address is . Please drop me a line so we can catch up.
Rich.
Hi Ken. It looks like my email was dropped in my response to you. Try again. Jet-capt@yahoo.com. Rich
Sorry. Email is. Jet_capt@yahoo.com. Try 516-557-6336 also.
I worked in G2 at the villa. At all the smoke settled after Tet, I was transferred to Can Tho.
YOU HAVE THE WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS I THINK/ Jet-capt@yahoo.com/ THIS ADDRESS WAS INCULDED IN THAT POST –I WAS AT THE SEMINARY THOUGH WITH THE SIGNAL CORPS APRIL 67 THRU APRIL 68 AND WORKED THE PHONE SYSTEM
Yes that is wrong. Should be. jet_capt@yahoo.com . Sorry for the confusion. Rich Burns
Ken, I’m still hoping to hear from you. Norm Wood lives near Washington, DC, and is still enjoying life. Bob Jones passed a few years ago. Both great guys. jet_capt@yahoo.com. 516-557-6336. anytime. Rich
Did anyone know 1LT Sam Trizza? He was an advisor on Team 75 and was KIA by small arms fire on 2 Jun 67, but no specific location within the province is mentioned on the Virtual Wall. He and I were in Infantry Officer Basic at Benning during the summer of ’65. Sam was from Tulsa, OK. He proudly wore the Ranger tab.
Lt Trizza had only been with Adv Tm 75 3 days when he died. As best I remember he came to us and assigned as an infantry unit advisor, the next day the unit went on the operation and he was killed. Actually he was gone before and one got to know him. I can’t remember where he died.
Daniel,
Thank you for taking time to share what you know about Sam and thank you for serving our country and the people of South Vietnam. I had a long time friend who was killed in I Corp shortly after he arrived in country in ’66. I was with the 173d Airborne Bde in 67-68. We were in the Central Highlands near the tri-border area of II Corp. We lost hundreds of good men in that year. They remain in our hearts and their families’ always. Again many thanks.
Dennis Hupp
Raleigh, NC
Dennis. I am Dennis Lane I was with 1/12/7th ARVN advisory team that Lt Trizza was assigned to. He joined our team while we were in transit
from our normal AO to Kien Hoa Province for a large op in the far eastern section of the Province . We settled into a night bivouac and the following morning moved to our LD . This was a large op as the 12th Regt advance CP was also in the field. Lt Trizza and I were with the lead
company as we moved through paddies toward a tree line with bunkers clearly visible We received fire from the front and a treeline to our left
we took cover behind a paddy dike. Lt Trizza slumped over and by the time I reached him he had bled out. Secured his body on a dike and checked in with the rest of the team at Bn , I moved with the Company to the tree line and held up there and waited for the rest of the Bn team
to move up. We spent the rest of the day on the perimeter . The lead company we had been with took some severe casualties as they moved through the the objective’ We bivouacked in place and walked out the next day and moved by RAG back to My Tho. Lt Trizza passing was
a sad day for the 1/12 Team as he was our 1st casualty but not to be our last as a few months later the team leader and his asst were wounded
and evacuated to Japan. As I advance in age I think more and more of that fateful day Dennis hope this helps . After 52 yrs events and names
and places grow dim. But June 2 1968 will always be with me.
Dennis,
Thank you so much for letting me know more about how Sam was killed. I understand what you mean about that day always being with you. We carry the haunting memories of those with whom we served and who were fell mortally wounded under fire. God bless you for honoring Sam. I too remember him and continue to honor his bravery. I hope you will accept my heartfelt, welcome home!
Dennis Hupp
HAD the wrong year entered in my reply was June 2 1967. Sam didn’ t get to have kids and grandkids and great grand kids as I was lucky
enough to enjoy . Just very sad as was our whole effort as I have grown to belive’
Dear Dennis Lane,
1LT Sam Trizza was my first cousin. I remember vividly the night we got the call that he had been killed as if it were yesterday. We could not believe he was gone so soon into his second tour. I was only nine years old, but I remember my cousin coming to visit my mother (his aunt) before he went back to serve that second tour of duty. It was the last time we would ever see him.
I waned to let you know that Sam did have two very young sons at the time of his death. They are Scott and Joe Trizza, and to my knowledge, they still live in the Tulsa area. Sam’s father grew up in Dallas. They were so young, though, they never got to know their father.
I want to thank you for letting me know how our cousin died. Yes I cried when I read it, and felt the loss again, but I am still glad to know. I wish to thank you and all who served for their service.
His death in 1967 was a hard blow to everyone, but especially to his grandmother who had gone through it before when Sam’s father (my uncle) was shot down over Austria during WWII while attempting to liberate that country from the Nazis. His name is on a memorial over there.
Sam’s son Joe has an FB page and I believe he has a restaurant in Tulsa.
Again, thank you so much and to all who remember our cousin and his sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Haven DeLay
Dennis, Sam Trizza was my mom’s older brother. Growing up it was Sam, my mom Marilyn, & their youngest sister my aunt Linda. Mom had barely graduated high school when Sam was KIA. To this day she struggles to talk about the loss. But spoken about by all with great pride from his days at Oklahoma Military Academy to his service, sacrifice in VN.
To echo Haven DeLay, Sam had 2 sons, Scott and Joe. Both, as well as their mom Dottie (Sam’s wife at the time) still reside in Tulsa. Joe named his first son Sam & owns/operates two very popular bagel shops in Tulsa called New York Bagel (formerly Old School Bagel). Scott served honorably during the Iraqi War. I recall him talking about visiting the province in VN or making plans to visit.
Thank you for your service!
Jennifer Harmon (nee Davis).
I was in Go Kong as well as My Tho seminary from June 67 till June 68. I know Swamp Fox flew cover for operations as well as convoys I ran. I would love to talk. We all went thru lots of stuff.
Hi Sanford,
My call sign was Swamp Fox 17. I was based at Binh Duc, My Tho from November 67′ thru July. 68, when I was shot down and returned to the US. I remember covering convoys through Dinh Toung on Hwy 1. I lived in My Tho, although not sure what it was called. I don’t remember staying at the Seminary, although time has dulled my memory.
Hwy 1 was one of our primary missions, flying first thing in the morning and lastly in the evening. I have some stories to share.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Rich
Swamp Fox 17 This is (call sign) Druid Romeo
I am (was) a river rat running on PBR’s out of My Tho.
I still have memories of you “Swamp Fox’s” giving us a bit of cover.
I remember you guys going into narrow canals. Too close to the VC for me. Glad you made it back. Welcome home.
Rich
I DROVE IN A CONVOY ONCE FROM GO CONG TO SOME WHERE OUT SIDE SIGON TO PICK UP SOME SUPPLIES WITH A QUICK STOP IN MYTHO TO DROP A TRUCK OFF AND THEN CONTINUED ON TO OUR END POINT –THAT WAS MAYBE SOME WHERE IN OCTOBER 67
I SET THE SWITCHBOARD UP AS WELL AS THE MICRO WAVE SYSTEM IN GO CONG I WAS ONLY THERE A FEW WEEKS BEFORE I WENT BACK TO THE COMPANY IN MY THO
I was in the Seabees in Mytho. Seabee Team 1019. We had built an EM club at compound and I remember MACV guys liked to come there. We also had a small Army unit right next to compound. Do not remember any names. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
I was in Vinh Kim Village across the big canal in Long Dinh (later renamed Sam Giang District in 1968). I worked with and housed Seabees who built the wood-piling bridge over the Sam Giang River uniting Vinh Kim with Kim Son Villages in 1968-1969. I was the MACV District Senior Advisor there in ’68-’69–Province MACV teams there were labelled “Team 66” although on my first tour in 1966 all of us were designated Team 75. What year(s) were you there. I was invited to go over to Dong Tam to your club by the C.P.O.’s but never could get away. Great guys and the whole Seabee unit was fantastic to work with and have quarter with us. I have a picture in my Memoir “You Ain’t Nothing But A Swamp Rat” which was published in 2016 of my two tours with MACV in Dinh Tuong Province (My Tho to you probably). Thank you for the great jobs and service you all did–remarkable men. George P. Bonville, LTC U.S.A. (Retired)
Hi George, could you shoot me an email. I would like to have a conversation with you. I was a Seabee in Mytho, not sure if we were in the same place or not. My email livtoride@yahoo.com Thanks Russ Wood
The one and only
Hi …I was assigned to G2 in late 1967 until after theTet offensive. I can’t remember anyone’s name, though.
send me your e mail address and I will send list of advisors June 1967
Mr. Kercull,
Did you know the MACVs at Armor House at My Tho in May 1968?
Rusty Reid
Hi,
My name is Bill Leach. In 67-68, I was a Lt on TM 59 later changed to TM 80. It was South of you in Ca Mau, Anxyen Province. I read a autobiography by Tobias Wolfe, In Pharoah’s Army, wherein he states that as a LT. he was an Advisor to an ARVN Artillery Bn out side of MyTho . He realistically describes the TET offensive in MyTho. Is he on your list of advisors? Thanks. Regards, Bill Leach, 978-546-9507.
I WAS THER DEC67 TILL JUN 68, I WAS MEDIC THERE. THERE WAS LT COL MYERS THERE ALSO. HARD TO REMEMBER NAMES TOW MEDICS I REMEMBER WAS SSG SMITH N E7 FREDRICKSON
Rick, I was a Medic there in ’64.
Does anyone remember Lt. Colonel John Gillis? He was hea of the G-2 of &th Arvin, a really nice guy.
I was an E5 and worked in G2 and I remember Lt Col Gillis well. Though I didn’t have much contact with him I found him to be a nice man the few times I talked to him. I was at the Seminary from Jul 67 to Jul 68.
When I arrived at Team 75 on August 20, 1967 as a 2nd Lieutenant with 6 months time in grade, I went to work for Major Gillis, the senior G-2 advisor. (He switched over to MI from Armor because promotions were so slow for officers in the Armor Branch of the Army.) He was a superb guy to work for. I will never forget my initial briefing. After he got through explaining that I would be in the Order of Battle section of the G-2 advisory staff with side trips as an infantry advisor to one of the Division’s recon companies, I asked him if there were any issues arising under the Geneva Convention of which I should be aware. “Ya,” he said, “don’t lose.” I asked him what he meant. He replied, “Losers get prosecuted for war crimes; winners don’t.” So, I asked, “You mean that there is stuff going on that would be in violation of the Geneva Convention?” “Oh, sure,” was his response. As an extremely green lieutenant talking to a major, I was uncomfortable pressing the matter. So, I didn’t. After that, I was on heightened alert to anything that amounted to a war crime. Thankfully, I never saw anything in that regard, although I remember a conversation in the officer’s bar at the seminary with an Air Force colonel who was the FAC for tac air strikes. He had an objection to the free fire zones, saying that on occasion he refused to put in air strikes within them because of the civilian population he could see. Sorry — this is more than you asked.
Wonder if the Air Force colonel had heard of Yossarian… or seen your jeep? Didn’t it have the name Yossarian stenciled below the windshield?
SP4 David Westfall
96b20 from 10-1968 til 11-1969
I was there in 67-68 and I remember both of you. Does anyone remember SFC Funk or Captain Hatten?
I remember both. I don’t know what happened to Funk but Hatten, the last I knew, was retired in Alabama. Here’s his email address: lhatten@cableone.net.
I have been trying to locate Sergeant Brewer who was my RTO on the division recon company in 1969 and 1970. My memory has faded and I do not remember his first name. Does anyone have a team roster from 1969 and 70 or know where I might locate one. Does anyone have any information about Sergeant Brewer. Any information would be greatly appreciated
I am still trying to find out who the SSGT was that was with me on the first day of the 68 TET offensive. I am the Sailor that defended the USAID Nurses at the Provincial Hospital and took one of them to the Orphanage and found all the dead children and babies in the ditch. 62 total, there was a member of team 75 that help me get the nurse back to the Navy compound. I never asked his name, I was just glad for the help.All I want to do is say “Thank You”
Jon
.
Richard HansenSP5 was a medic in my tho 967 to 1968. was there for the Tet offense. I do remember a sgt fredrichson there and a few others but cant remember there names so long ago, but was proud to serve with MACV In My Tho my email address is ricknpolo33@yahoo.com
Hi to all. I just discovered this site and would like to provide access to some pictures from my time at the Seminary Jan 69 to June 69 My name is Gary Simon and I was reassigned from the 199th RAC (Swamp Fox 16) to the 7th ARVN advisory team as the Army Air Liaison Officer, call sign Delta 70. I was there during the fire that destroyed upper floor(s?) of one wing of the Seminary. I was there the night the bridge was blown and have pictures of that. I can’t remember a lot of names now but Col. Tansey was the SA, Major Netzloff was the G-3 advisor. Doc Jeffers was a Medical advisor. Tom Alban(?) might have been an engineer advisor. I knew Peter Wetherell and remember his injuries from an IED incident. He visited me at Fort Sill later on. I also have pictures of me water skiing in the Mekong along with some folks I can’t remember. The first platoon of Swamp Foxes had not yet returned to the new airfield before I left.
I have pics from 1966 -seminary-dong tam before it existed,etc-send me e mail address
Gary,
Chuck Re Corr here. You where my hero multiple times.
Hi Chuck – drop me an email at garylbb@aol.com. I have no recollections of ever being a hero but maybe I swerved into it one time. I do kind of remember an advisor buying me a bottle of booze one time when I was still Fox 16. i have no clue what I did for him but he was grateful.
I was stationed in Bear Cat and was in Dong Tam many times. Bad experience over My Tho. If you could send some pics my way. Take care my friend.
send me email address and I will send a few pictures from 1966
MACV 75 67 TO 68 AT COMPOUN DO U HAVE ANY PICS
I WAS AT THE SEMINARY FROM APRIL 67 TO APRIL 68 WITH THE 52 SIGNAL BATTALION COMPANY C IF MY MEMERY SERVES ME WELL -I WAS A PHONE MAN AND SWITCH BOARD OPERATOR -I SPENT A FEW WEEKS IN GO CONG INSTALLING A MICROWAVE SITE AND A SWITCH BOARD THEN CAME BACK TO MYTHO–I HAVE A LOT OF PICTURES I TOOK DOWN TOWN WHILE WORKING OUT THERE RUNNING PHONE LINES AND REPAIRS .ALSO DROVE TO DONG TAM A COUPLE OF TIMES A MONTH ON BUSINESS .WE SPENT A LOT OF EVENINGS DOWN ON THE RIVER FRONT DRINKING AND DATING THE GIRLS .I USE TO EAT AT A NAVY PBR PLACE ON THE RIVER FRONT FOR LUNCH .IT WAS A GOOD CHANGE FROM THE SEMINARY FOOD WHICH WAS MOST TIMES GOOD .SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AND I WILL LOAD ALL I GOT FROM AROUND THERE IN PICTURES .IT WILL TAKE A WHILE TO LOAD THEM ON THE COMPUTER -I HAVENT BEEN IN TOUCH WITH ANY ONE THAT WAS THERE SINCE I CAME HOME 50 YEARS AGO
I AM OUT C YA
My name is Jimmy McGee. I was in Mytho from October 1966 to 1967. I worked as a Radio Teletype Operator in the van beside the switchboard van. Would like to hear from you. You can Email me at jmcgee246@charter.net
net,
Ed- I was in the US 9th ID at Dong Tam Feb-Aug 1968 and division LNO in My Tho Aug-Nov 1968. I have hardly any photos of Dong Tam so would really like to see those photos. My email: jhaseman@earthlink.net. Many thanks, John Haseman
I HAVE A FEW FROM DONG TAM HAVING GONE THERE A COUPLE OF TIMES A MONTH
Michael: although I wasn’t with MACV I was at Dong Tam June ‘67 to May ‘68 attached to ‘D’ Co 9th Med Bn. If you go to the Mobile Riverine Force/9th Infantry Division FB Group and search my name I have posted a lot of pictures of Dong Tam.
Best Regards. hagendl@yahoo.com
Ed: Don’t know if you will remember me, but I was assigned to Tm 75 in Aug ’65. Was a clerk in Admin due to my secondary MOS, but primary MOS was 11B. MSG Nicolosi was in Intel and recruited me to be a radio operator for his field team when it accompanied the ARVN recon during field ops. COL Berry was the Sr Advisor and I served as his clerk/driver when back in the Seminary. In February ’66, I was reassigned to an Inf Bn Advivsory Team along with CPT Charles Campbell, 1LT James Miller and SFC Pat Neely until early in May when I was reassigned to the District Team in My Tho because of an injury and surgery. Remained there until I DEROS’d in Aug ’66 as a SP4. If you could send your photos of the Seminary to me by email, I would greatly appreciate it.
Would love to see some pictures of Dong Tam. I was stationed in Bear Cat 67-68 and flew into Dong Tam everyday. I was a courier on a Huey we flew all over the Delta and then up north into mini fire bases. Most of my pictures were from the air. Great to see your post. Take care and stay safe.
Morning brother, I just wanted to reply to your post and request those pics you have of Dong Tam. I was stationed at Bear Cat 67-68. I flew as a courier in a Huey all over the south and Dong Tam was one of my daily stops. Other stop offs was Tan An, Tan Tru, Riech Kien Bien Fook. I am sure spelling on these is probably wrong. Our chopper was shot down over My Tho. Surprised I made it out of that alive. Take care and stay safe. email is: dcarrol4@columbus.rr.com
I MIGHT HAVE KNOWN YOU BECAUSE I USE TO CARRY ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT OUT TO THE FIELD WHEN SOMETHING FU-K UP BY WHAT EVER I COULD GET TO GO THEIR
My name is David Westfall. I was at the Seminary from Oct 68 till Jan 69, Spec 4 order of battle analyst… spent most of my time at 7th ARVN TOC.
Would enjoy the link to your pictures maybe that will inspire me to scan mine and get them posted. Many of the photos I sent back never made it. Anyone else have that experience?
I was a co van my with the 3-10 of the 7th division in Ben Tre from June, 1967 though June, 1968. Major Shipman was the senior advisor. The battalion took tremendous casualties during those 12 months.
________________________________
David:
I remember you. Send me your email and I will share the pictures I have.
David
Are you the David Westfall from Houston that I know?
Bob Lee
HI Gary, This is John Radlein. I was an Advisor to 1/11, 7th Inf Div from 1/69 to8/69. We likely had a conversation or two. I would like to see your pictures. Thanks.
Michael. My name is Dennis Dultz. We worked together a few times at Seminary! Call any time 661-943-9201—allso on facebook
Hi all
My name is chanh minh tran interpreter for G2
7th ARVN division 1970-1973
I am looking for Larry tooke MACV advisory team 75 located in dong tam
Base (my tho)
Any information about larry tooke please give me a call 713-240-9426
Thankyou all for your time
Andy, my name is Bill Wellborn, 1lt during my tour with 7th ARVN G-2 shop. I served with Lt. West and others I cannot recall names of just now. I’m sure we have met as I was at G-2 ship from about June 70-November 70. Before that I worked in G-3 shop and before that 11th Recon Co. 11th Regt.
Hi Bill, I was with 11th Recon from January to August 1969. You might have been my replacement. 1LT Thuan was my counterpart. I would like to connect with you and my email is jpmaho@aol.com.
My name is Jim Mahoney. I was with 1Lt Thuan in the 11th Recon Co. 11th Regiment from 1/69 to 8/69. Looking to connect with Bill Welborn.
Jim, I was the guy that took your place at 11th Recon. My SSgt and I think yours was Fred Reynolds, a red headed indian from Oklahoma. I’ve heard lotsa things about you and never really felt like I quite measured up to your reputation. I served with 11th Recon from November 69 till about Feb of 70 when they pulled advisors out of the field and sent us to 7th Div Hq. feel free to give me a call at 270-952-5991.
Hello Chanh,
My name is Tien Tran. Happened to come across your post in this page. I just tried to contact you by phone unsuccessfully. I was transferred to the 7th ARVN from the 5th US Special Forces Group roughly the same time you were there. I was then assigned to the 10th Reg in Ben Tre and spent most of my time at Phuoc Long Forward Support Base, until our interpreter group received the order for re-assignments, I then stayed in Dong Tam for the last few months. Not sure if we’d met, but I still recall a few names of our group. I’ve been living in Canada since May ’75. Drop me a line when you receive this note. We then have a chance to chat more about old days. Hope to hear from you real soon.
T.T.
I AM HAVING A HARD TIME WITH REMEMBERING NAMES AND CAN SAY I KNEW HIM I STAYED IN THE SEMINARY WHEN I WAS THERE AND I WENT TO DONG TAM A FEW TIMES FOR MEDICAL AND TO VISIT THE SWITCH BOARD ,I WAS A SIGNAL CORP PHONE MAN –I SPENT 3OR 4 MONTHS IN GO CONG AS WELL WHILE WE INSTALLED A MICROWAVE UNIT BACK TO MY THO AND SET A SWITCH BOARD UP .SORRY ABOUT THAT ,I RAN ACROSS SO MANY PEOPLE THERE INSTALLING AND REPAIRING THE PHONE SYSTEM IT WAS HARD TO GET TO KNOW MANY PEOPLE OUT SIDE MY COMPANY AND BEING ON THE MOVE I SPENT A LOT OF TIME AWAY FROM THE COMPOUND .
Hi Tien Tran, did you happen to know an interpreter out of My Tho by the name of Dung (Zung)?
Hi Chris. Unfortunately I can’t recall anybody from our group by that name. Was he assigned to 7th ARVN Div or My Tho Sector? I was with the 7th. Wish you all the best. Will let you know if I find some infos about him.
Cam on, Tien
Tien Tran,
This is John Rowe, the BN Advisor to the 2/10 from August 1968 to August 1969. When were you with the 10th.
John Rowe
Hi John,
I was re-assigned to 10th Reg from 5th SFG in mid 1970. I spent most of my time there down in Phuoc Long Forward Base. Col Do Van An was the Reg Cmdr then. He was killed when his C&C was shot down near Cambodia border. Nice to know you.
Tien Tran.
Tien Tran, thank you for your reply. The Colonel Do Van An that you mentioned in your June 6, 2020 response may have been Major An in July-August 1969. At that time, Major An was the 10 Reg’s Executive Office, and he commanded the two battalions of the 10th that operated out of Ba Tre – south of Ben Tre. He was my counterpart for those several months during the summer of 1968. Colonel Kim was the Commanding Officer of the 10th Reg in 1968-1969, and he died within the past two years or so. One of his son’s lives in Georgia. John Rowe
jOHN – My 2nd RVN tour I was a district level advisor in Kien Hoa Province (now Ben Tre Prov), DDSA Ham Long, then DDSA Mo Cay and back to Ham Long as DSA during Aug-Oct ’72 during NVA invasion. All that time the Province Chief was Colonel Kim. I wonder if it was “your” Colonel Kim, would make sense to move from 7th ARVN to province chief. COL Kim was a very large person by VN standards, tall and heavy-set. I was told COL Kim was summarily executed by NVA after 1975 takeover. If it’s the same person, his execution could be incorrect. If he is the same person and lived on longer than I thought, I would like to confirm. He was an outstanding province chief.
John, this is John Rowe. Colonel Kim was the CO of the 10th Reg during my entire tour from August 1968 to August 1969. For most of the time, I was the battalion advisor to the 2/10. My counterpart was Major Ba, the Battalion CO. While I was in country, the 10th had two battalions that operated out of Ben Tre and two battalions that operated out of Ba Tri. The 10th’s EX supervised and controlled the two battalions that operated out of Ba Tri. I was the advisor to the 10th’s XO in Ba Tri for the last two months or so of my tour.
Colonel Kim was big for a Vietnamese soldier, and I estimate that he was about 5’10” or so. He look like he was out of central casting. He was a good soldier.
I met one of his sons, Long Pham, in July 2011. He had made a internet posting in 2008 on one of the Vietnam veterans sites in which he stated that he was looking for his father’s counterpart, LTC Wayne Shipman. I saw his posting In 2011, and we connected. Long and his family lived in the Atlanta area at that time, and he and his family (wife and two daughters) drove to southeastern Virginia to meet me and my family.
He said that his father had survived both the war and the re-education camps. His dad, Colonel Kim, had visited – and lived for a while – in the United States. However, he said that his dad missed Vietnam, and at that time – he was back in Vietnam for an extended stay. Long called me within the past two years to inform me that his father had died in Vietnam.
I don’t know if Colonel Kim became the Province Chief by 1972, but I would not be surprised if he did. I will reconnect with Long to find out.
John
John – I would be very grateful if you could put some clarity on “our” Colonel Kim. Size fits. Career progression and RVN politics would fit, and Kim is just enough an unusual VN name to fit. I arrived in Kien Hoa in July 1971 and COL Kim was province chief when I arrived, but I don’t know for how long he had been in the position. and he was still there when I left in Feb 1973. I have a photo of him pinning on my Cross of Gallantry I could send you if you would send me your email. Mine is: jhaseman@earthlink.net.
John Haseman
Any relation of Nick Rowe?
Good Morning John, I am not kin to Nick Rowe. Where does he live? John
Nick Rowe, West Point 1960, was a MAC-V advisor the Viet Cong captured in 1963 in an operation somewhere in the Delta (Le Coeur, which has been renamed to something else). After being held in the U Minh Forest, he escaped from his captors on December 31, 1968, waving down a Huey gun ship that almost shot him. He wrote Five Years to Freedom, a book I highly recommend. One tough bastard — the Army’s version of John McCain.
Thanks. I was not thinking Army nor Vietnam when I asked that question. There is a “Nick Rowe” is a realtor and developer who people often ask me if I am his kin. John
John, your name sounds very familiar. My husband was there Aug 69 until he died May 22. Charles “Chuck” Jones
Bernnice, this is John Rowe. I did serve with your husband. I tried sending you a letter in 2004. I have also communicated with Dawn, Terry, and his daughter Mallory; however, my last communication with Dawn was in 2011. Please feel free to contact me. My email address is jrowe66@cox.net. I look forward to hearing from you. John
Hello again Chanh,
I sent you a note but forgot to include my email and telephone no. Here they are
t_tran_ca@yahoo.com
(416)618-7092
I believe that my father served in this group. He was SSGT Wilhelm Karl Dammer, he was killed in action on May 5,1968…I never got to meet him. I was 18 months old when he died. I was hoping that maybe someone in here might remember him and tell me some things about him.
Thank you.
James I new your father!
Mr. Dultz,
I am married to Wilhelm Dammer’s only daughter. We would love to know more about him, the guys he served with and the circumstances in which he died. I hope to hear from you.
Rusty Reid
Hi James. I only talked with Wilhelm a few times. some of us called him Willie! You can call me at 661-943-9201
I was an Order of Battle advisor at Team 75 from August 1967 through January 1969. I remember an incident where a single Huey on a mission somewhere in the Division Tactical Area serving as a reference point for an Arc Light mission suddenly disappeared. It was a matter of discussion for a day or two and then forgotten about. At least, that is what I knew at the time from scuttlebutt in the Division Tactical Center and in the officers’ bar.
Many years later, I had a broker-dealer case that I was arbitrating. My expert witness was a retired Smith Barney Branch Manager who had an earlier career as an officer in the Air Force. In preparation for trial, I inquired about his Air Force career. I learned that his experience was as a navigator on a B-52 and that he flew Arc Light missions over Vietnam at the same time I was there. He explained that his job as a navigator was to follow the plane in front and that the lead navigator would plot the course the entire flight would take with reference to a point on the ground that gave off an electronic signal. In explaining how it all worked, he gave a for instance, which was a mission where the lead navigator mistakenly plotted the beginning point of the bombing run as the source of the electronic signal, instead of plotting an azimuth to it. When the first bombs were released, the electronic signal stopped and the mission was aborted. He said that they probably dropped the rest of the bomb load in the South China Sea on their way back to Clark Air Base. He thought the lead navigator got into some trouble over the mistake but that was as much as he knew about it.
I know that this is probably a stretch but it has occurred to me that the disappearance of the Huey might have some connection to the mistake made by the lead navigator. I don’t remember when this occurred but my best recollection is that it was after the Tet Offensive and when I left the first of 1969. Does anyone remember any of this?
I am trying to find out where my dad was killed, SFC William C Fraley. Died July 6, 1966. Anyone remember him or have any details about his death? Any suggestions on how I can research?
Thanks so much….
5 July 1966, RVNAF units launch two-day search-and-destroy operation in Vinh Binh Province. (LOSSES) : Frd-20 KIA, 55 WIA; En-109 KIA , 4 VCC, 40 ind wpns, 3 C/S wpns. (C)
He died as a result of VC attack on the seminary. VC attacked early morning hours from the rear of seminary from across the small feeder canal or branch of Mekong. Somehow I always thought the date was 6 june but you say 6 July 1966. My medics would recall better but !st Sgt Kemper passed away 3 yrs ago.
I was always leery being up on the roof behind the sandbags , overlooking that small canal or tributary surrounded by palms. I was USAF TDY for a month – 1963
Well at least you had Sandbags…….
If that sandbag bunker was at the junction of the two wings of the building it didn’t change a bit in 1969. It was furnished with a Honeywell grenade launcher borrowed from the Navy. I don’t think it was ever operable. I don’t remember even having ammo for it.
the Honeywell (M18) grand Launcher was a good dependable weapon. the ammo was belted M79 rounds. the range was a bit shorter as the barrel was shorter. but in the hands of a good operator you could fire 60 rounds in just a bit more than a minute. You could make it rain 79’s
If the Navy lent it to you that would have been about the time that SpecWar came up with the M19. No hand crank it was Blow back operated.
Was there a 50 cal. on the roof?
Gary….The Sandbag Bunker was at the far end, not at the junction, as I recall ! Another note. When going out to the Tan Hiep airstrip , we were not allowed out there until the sun came up and had to leave before sundown. The VC owned the night ! 1963
Rich
Do you happen to remember if that borrowed Honeywell was actually a trade for a 45cal greasegun with a silencer? If it was, I’m the other side of the trade back in 68. I have long forgotten names of the guys from the seminary but enjoyed reading a ton of these messages. I was in My Tho with the Navy end of Feb 68 to Feb 69.
That roof was eerie. The single person position had a .30 cal machine gun with one can of ammo. The sandbags were stacked three high with the .30 setting on top and no commo. You were fodder, nothing more. The Mekong tributary gave the whole scene an “other world” flavor. You could see debris and even nipa palms drifting along which would have been perfect cover for a back door attack if the snakes didn’t get you first.
Very true ! Memories of being up behind the sandbags come back to me on occasion. I was lucky ! Rich
I WAS IN A GOOD FIRE FIGHT UP ON THE 2ND FLOOR EAST WING OVER LOOKING THAT CANAL ONE NIGHT WHEN THEY HIT THE BUNKER ON THE RIVER FRONT WITH A COUPLE OF ROCKETS –THERE WERE TWO OF US ON GUARD DUTY THAT NIGHT AROUND MID NIGHT WE HAD A 30 CAL MACHINE GUN AND WE WENT TO WORK BETWEEN THE 39 CAL AND A HUEY COMING OVER THE ROOF LOW AND FAST WE BAGGED 20 SOME OF THEM ALONG WITH THE TREES AND THE GRASS HUTS THAT USE TO BE THERE –I WAS REAL SHORT AND LEFT COUNTRY A FEW WEEKS LATER HEADED TO THE STATES
Thanks Edward Gallagher, were you in his platoon? I am glad to finally have a little information about his death. All I have heard over the years was he died in an early morning ambush but no location info……
I was there. But I was down at house 1 in My tho that night. I took pictures the next morning of the damage in the seminary and the place the mortar hit above the doorway and killed Sfc Farley. Sorry for your loss, If you want any of the pictures I can send them to you. You can email me at charlespaskovics@gmail.com
Chuck, I just found this site today and stumbled across someone who was familiar with House One in My Tho. I was assigned there from Jan 67 until Jan 68, leaving a week before Tet. I’ve been looking at Google maps trying to relocate where House One and the Seminary were in relation to each other, but the fog of time is too thick now. How’s you memory?
Phil Bosworth, Automotive Advisor, A& DSL Company, Din Toung Province, RVN. (philbosworth@yahoo.com)
go back to the google map. locate the church, then look two streets directly north. that is hotel one.
I was a Swamp Fox pilot living at My Tho from Nov ’67 thru July 68. i have had discussions with the other SF pilot assigned with me about where we stayed in My Tho. I don’t remember staying at the Seminary, He said he remembers staying there. I remember being in My Tho proper. I don’ remember what they called the place I lived at. I have 2 pictures that I took of a courtyard looking towards (west) the main street. There was a Ranger camp just outside the compound to the northeast. Does anyone remember where I might have stayed? Was it called ‘House 1? I have a beer riding on this. Thanks Rich
sounds like the Embassy House
DID YOU HAVE PHONES FROM THE MILITARY ?IF SO I MIGHT HAVE BEEN OUT WHERE YOU WERE AT SOME TIME IN MY TRAVELS THERE –I WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR PHONE MAN AT SOME TIME I WAS THERE APRIL 67 TO APRIL 68 AND LIVED IN THE SEMINARY AND WORKED THE SWITCHBOARD AS AN OPERATOR AND THE FIELD INSTALLING PHONES AND RUNNING TROUBLES
Hi Michael, we should no each other. I worked the switchboard at the Seminary the same time you were there (My Tho 4) Did you no John Pappas or Ed poffenberger?
I REMEMBER JOHN AND ED SOME WHAT I NEED TO LOOK AT SOME OF MY PICS FROM THERE –JOHN I REMEMBER BECAUSE OF HIS AGE AND MUSTASH–AND WHAT NAME ARE YOU ?? MY MEMORY IS A LITTLE SLOW –NEED TO KNOCK THE DUST OFF OF THOSE FILES –WHERE YOU LIVING AT –I AM JUST OUT SIDE DEATH VALLEY EAST ABOUT 30 MILES OR SO IN PAHRUMP NV -GET BACK AND I WILL GIVE UP MY CELL NUMBER OK GOOD TO HEAR FROM YA
I REMEMBER JOHN PAPPAS HE CAME A FEW MONTHS AFTER I DID AND WE SPENT A FEW HOURS OVER THE YEAR IN THE BAR ON THE SECOND FLOOR NEXT TO THE POOL TABLE .HE WAS RATHER OLD FOR AN ENLISTED MAN AS I REMEMBER
Thanks Doug, I was 12 when he was killed and have never seen any info on the details….
Hi John, we must have met each other during our tour. I would like to share memories and my email address is jpmaho@aol.com. Look forward to talking with you. Jim Mahoney, 1LT, 11th Recon Co.
I would like to compare experiences.
Anybody remember Lt Ted Johnson. We were in 7th Arvin G-2 together
I remember him. Good guy. I would like to connect with him.
MY father is interpreter for G2 7 division Arvin
Hi Jim, This is John Radlein. I was advisor to 1/11 Bn. from 1/69 to 8/69; then DTOC Operations Duty Officer until 12/69; then extended and was HQ Company Commander until 7/70. I moved Team 75 from the Seminary to Dongtam
I do remember you
John, please send you contact information as I would like very much to talk about our experiences on Team 75.
Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S® 6.
Jim, my email is johnradlein@aol.com
John,
You and I went on R&R to Hong Kong together. A good memory.
Chuck are Corr
HI, I didn’t go to Hong Kong.
Last week Jim Parrish, William (Bill) Wellborn and I had a small reunion after almost 50 years.. It was good to see them again and we talked about many things, some good and some not so good. During the conversations Major Wayne Shipman’s name surfaced frequently. We wondered if anyone had any information about his current whereabouts. If you have any information about him please call me at 713 504-1957 or email me at rlee343@comcast.net. He was a great leader and mentor.
Hi Bob Lee my dad was at My Tho 7th RVN 67-68. His name was Veasey. My name is Christy Veasey I am his daughter. My Dad passed away in 1994 Agent Orange. Just wondering if you remember him. Seems like he spoke of a Jim Parrish
Christy
Unfortunately, I did not arrive at team 75 until 1969 so I would have missed your father. I talked to Jim Parrish a few minutes ago and he would be happy to talk to you. You can contact him directly by email at jpc1146@gmail.com. I hope this helps.
Bob
I may not belong on this page as I was never in My Tho. I was stationed in Bear Cat 1967-68. I flew as a courier on a Huey from Bear Cat to Dong Tam ever day. I stopped at little villages along the way dropping of different things. The towns included Tan An, Tan Tru, Ben Fook, Rach Kien. Spelling on these are probably wrong. I would then end up in Dong Tam. I would always fly by My Tho but never landed there. On the beginning of Tet, even though I didn’t know it was Tet at the time, we were flying by and our pilot saw a huge fire coming from the town and he flew there to see what it was. We got over top of the fire, which was pretty good size and while hoovering we took some intense fire. The pilot got us out of there and we made it to Dong Tam and crash landed the chopper. The left door gunner took a round in his left leg. The chopper had taken over 40 rounds. I guess considering everything that went on there we were lucky to get out of there alive. If anyone from that chopper crew reads this please give me a call 220-201-9208
My dad Robert Clemmey was a maintenance officer/helicopter pilot from Nov 67 to Nov 68. He was in Bear Cat and then Dong Tam. His email is bcengineeringW315@gmail.com. He is also looking for information on Sgt Tanner or Major Fudge.
Thanks Bethany, I emailed your dad and he responded. It’s always nice to be able to contact a fellow vet who served when you did and especially at the same place. Thanks again
Was with the team from July 1967 to aug 1968. If my memory is correct a col tanner was team co. Looking for info about a lt. ted Johnson. We were both with 7th arvn g2. Also can find no info about what happened at the seminary after August 1968. Would really appreciate any thingl you guys might remember.
Based on your response you had to be in MyTho for TET. Do you remember a LTC Schowalter? he was with team 75. on the first night of TET he was at the civilian hospital with me and five USAID nurses, an IAD physician and a USAID/CIA guy named Peter Brownback.
I remember that four guys from 75 were ambushed and several MPs from Hotel I joined up and help them extract themselves with the lose of one of the MP’s this happened just north of the hospital.
I spent the rest of the night and into the morning fending off VC attacks on the hospital until we got the nurses to the Navy compound later that day.
All I am looking for is any information on why we were left alone. Team 75 knew they were there.
sorry for being negative, but the memories of that night don’t sit too well with me.
Jon
Jon: Nice to meet you. In response to your email, I arrived in My Tho right after TET (everything was still smoking and the entire fleet of area ubiquitous box trucks were destroyed (it was amazing how fast the Vietnamese rebuilt them all from junk). Anyway, they stuck me at the Seminary for a week or two then at the Villa. Schowalter was still the CO but he was in bad shape from a wound that broke up his right arm and it wouldn’t heal. A short time later he was gone and replaced by a “Cheeky” admin. type (very formal can’t remember his name. That is how impressive he was). I do not have any other information re TET, Nurses, Hospital though there were a few there subsequent to my arrival. The Villa was shut down a month or two after I got there and we moved to a well fortified newly constructed four or five story hotel with gun placements in all four corners on the roof. My job was Trungwee in charge of Provincial Intel. and we also ran a collation center which was set up by a Sgt. Hanks to coordinate intel. between different sources and run operations based on the targeting we did to eliminate the VC infrastructure. We were pretty successful and I was lucky to have Hanks who you may remember as he was an “old Salt” who knew all the ropes and was a terrific intel. guy. Right after he left due to a severe foot infection (left his boots on after one of those hard nights) Covalucci became our Diwee with me and our group under him. We then moved in with the Vietnamese down at the command center in town and our primary objective was to advise them which, I guess we were supposed to be doing all along. It was less secure down there so we had to curtail our secondary covert function which was pretty exciting and pretty successful as we worked with a lot of different teams including the SEALS, PRU, Kit Carson Scouts, 9th Division units, the Embassy House guys etc . Information re what happened during TET was scarce, I think because most of the guys that were in it either were not a combat part of it or had already left when I got there. I left for home in early 1969. If you are so inclined, tell me your story on Team 75 when you get a chance. It sure was a long time ago and my memory is dimming. Hanks told me if I wanted to remember that time write it down or it would be lost. I kept a sort of diary of regular letters to my wife but I have never been successful in reading them too much. I guess there are some things to be remembered and some things to be forgotten. Would be interested to hear more from you. it might jog my memory. Thanks for the reply. I just retired and have been busy being retrained by my wife at home LOL.
I was there when the Col got hit. He was pretty close to the “Y” trying to get APC’s and troops out that were hold up on the side streets
I was at the intersection between the Catholic Church and the Orphanage.
Jon
I would love to share my story about the first 21 hours of TET. But it is far too long for this site.
Do you have a postal address I can send it too?
Your call, I suspect we may have met but not sure I was in My Tho from May 67 until Sept 68. Sudden departure, a case of lead poising.
Jon
Jon – “I’ll send you mine if you show me yours!” LOL!!! I was with 533 in MyTho from about April ’67-Jul’68 when my luck ran out in Ben Tre! On the evening/early morning of 30/31Jan 2008, I started an e-mail to my former 533 buddies with whom I remain in contact. It ended up as a several-page story!
On that particular morning, I was part of a 4-man team that ran ‘shotgun’ for our shuttles from the Victory to the piers and also evacuated half the Filipino medical team from their quarters at the “Y” to the hospital.
Ken Delfino
RivDiv 533, TF-116
Cat Lo – Nha Be – My Tho
10/66-7/68
I was with team 75 as a 1st Lt intel officer from right after Tet in 1968 through Christmas 69. Lived first at the Seminary then the Villa near the ARVN tiger units, then at a hotel turned billet for the team. Ran an intel. Coalition center for a time then advised ARVN counterparts at the My Tho op center. Also provided daily intel. For the team. Lost track of all our guys. Does anyone know the following guys or whereabouts or was anyone there during that time who remembers: then Capt. Covalucci, Barns, Swanson, Hanks? The way we were in and out of that place and the conditions at home didn’t allow for lasting associations. I would like to hear from someone or trade info. from that time if anyone is interested before memory goes any dimmer. Thanks Theodore “Mark” Barbieri. The best to all that had the experience.
Hi Mark, I was with Team 75 from September 68 to September 69. Served with 4/11, 32d Rangers, and 11th Recon Co. My email address is jpmahoney47@gmail.com. I have information regarding some other advisors during that period.
Jim Mahoney
Mark, we probably know each other. I was a MI Captain at 9th MI Div, Dong Tam and got assigned as liaison officer to everyone in My Tho Sep-Nov 1968. I worked in the VN province TOC coordinating Phung Hoang/Phoenix ops with Tm 75, 7th ARVN, Embassy House guys. I worked beside CPT John Kozak, TM 75 S2 Adv was MAJ Wolfgang Hertwick and CPT Bob Covalucci. Covalucci and I stayed in contact for many years though I have lost contact. I actually lived in Embassy House those 3 months. Definitely remember SFC Hanks. I returned to the Delta 1971-73 as a District Advisor across the river in Kien Hoa Province.
John Haseman
Your name is very fimular.
I am the Squid that spent the first night of TET with LTC Schowalter with the USAID Nurses at the Provincial Hospital. Do you have any history about that event?
I know the squad he sent to evacuate them to ambushed and a group of MP’s from Hotel 1 help get them clear, but they never mounted a second attempt. I was later told by a group from the Navy facility that they did not mount an attempt because the 7th ARVN’s told them that all the nurses with either captured or killed. Not true, none of the nurses were wounded or captured. we were just left to our own devices.
.
I have complete list of all advisors assigned advisory team 75 – spring 1967
I was with 3-10 7th division in Ben Tre from Spring 67 through July 68. Do you have that list?
Major Shipman, Captain Haywood, Lt Smith, etc.
Thanks
Chuck Cohen SGT
Would like to see that list. I was there from July 67 thur July 68. 12 battalion and 12 recon advisor.
I WAS THERE DURING TET OFFENSE STATIONED AT the compound with MACV
Yes I was there from June 67 till June 68.
send me your e mail address
I was with the 3rd battalion, 10th regiment, 7th ARVN division out of Ben Tre from March 67 through July 68. I would love to see the list of advisors form Ben Tre.
Chuck.Cohen
send me email address
chuck.cohen@anthologygroup.com
Please use a personal rather than an organization email address in the future. Thanks.
I was there with Fred Grott and Tommy Canada was our light weapons NCO
Canada was a very interesting individual. Do you know how to contact him? My 6 was Captain Haywood, #2 was LT Smith; and Major Shipman was in charge of Ben Tre MACV
SOMETIMES I GET CONFUSED I always read the word seminary in My Tho when I was there cant remember anyone referring to it as a Sseminary. It was the HQ for MACV ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF My Tho am I correct . I am there dec67 to jin 68
I was in My Tho in 1963 , TDY for a month providing Weather Support during daylight hours at Tan Hiep International Airstrip . I never heard the compound called the Seminary either.
I lived at the Seminary in September and October 1962 under the leadership of Col. John Paul Vann. It had been a Christian Seminary before it was used for MACV quarters. In November 1962, when quarters were available I moved to Ben Tre since I had been assigned from the beginning as Artillery Advisor for Kien Hoa (the Province name was later changed back to Ben Tre) Province. I served 6 months as an Artillery Advisor, then my MOS was changed to Infantry Advisor, still in Kien Hoa Province. MACV leadership in Kien Hoa Province at the time I was there was first, Maj. Scoles, then Maj. John Ames. The change in MOS was due to the fact that most young ARVN artillery officers had been to Ft. Sill for Artillery training, but Infantry advisors were needed. The My Tho MACV quarters at that time were always called the Seminary.
I would be interested in a list of advisors in Ben Tre, especially in the 1962-1963 time frame. My memory of names is dim.
Arthur Carter Rogers
I WAS THERE 67 TO 68. MEDIC WITH MACV. I REMEMBER THE Bar n lounge upstairs . did work the bar n also cooked hamburgers
in the kitchen upstairs. hard to remember names pass this along
I was the Hq Comandant July 66 to July 67 for Adv Tm 75. One of the last things I did was to complete the remodeling of the Officer’s and Enlisted Men!s Clubs. We spent several thousand dollars on the remodel. Up until May 67, we ran our own mess operation in conjunction with the clubs. Every Sunday we had cook your own steak.
I would like to see a list of advisors that were at My Tho during 1963. ” Through these gates pass the best advisors in South Vietnam “
send your email address to me rkercull@gmail.com
list is June 1967 not 1963
List although complete is from July 1967. In order of rank. Navy or AF attach are at end
Where can one obtain a list of advisors from Team 75 My Tho during 1969-70. I was an Infantry advisor during that time.
sorry cant help you with 1969 list. My list is dated June 1967
my list is June 1967, Cant help you with any other months. I can send you my 1967 list if you like- unless I already sent it previously. I get lots of requests for other yrs but don’t have them. Easy to send my list since it is on desktop -pdf in a folder
Chuck, this is John Rowe. I saw on your post that you left Ben Tre in July 1968. I arrived in August 1969, and I was the advisor to the 2?10. My counterpart was Major Ba. Do recall Major Jim Garvey? John
Would this Major Jim Garvey have been a West Point grad? If so he was my XO and Company Commander in Germany.
Dan Dugger
>
Sorry, don’t know the name. I was with the 3/10 – Major Shipman was the senior advisor of the total 10th. During my tour, the 3/10 had 4 ARVN commanders. The unit took a lot of casulaties during my 16 months. Be well.
Thanks for your response. Major Bert Esworthy was the 10 Regt Advisor when I arrived in Ben Tre in August 1968. His counterpart was Colonel Kim, the Commanding Office of the 10th Regt. Major Ba, the CO of the 2/10 was my counterpart.
Major Jim Garvey was a West Point graduate, Class of 1960.
Dan, Jim Garvey was West Point Class of 1960. He had prior Army service before entering West Point. Therefore, he was a little older than the rest of his classmates. He had at least two tours of duty in German – one with 8 Inf Div and one with the 3rd Inf Div. He died in 2020. John Rowe
My dad MAAG Advisor to Vietnamese Army at My Tho his name was Ronald Veasey. Do you remember him by any chance?
SORRY I DONT. SO MANY YRS HAVE GONE BY, MEMOREY FAILING
How would I be able to get a copy of your list of advisors. I am looking for any information on Captain Alan Stewart
need your e mail address for list
My email address is; stakeandstone@gmail.com. Thank you very much
I was with 12th Inf from early.66 to.67
We out of Go Cong, but spent most of our trying to keep route 4 open in Cai Be area
Would.like to know about Dennis (?) also with 12th
Made a few trips up the canal to Go Cong, I was on River Patrol Boats and that was a scary run, but you guy always help us refuel and re-arm. I do remember on trip to carry some late Christmas packages to you folk, that would have been Jan 68. Sorry that some got wet, it was raining.
I was assigned to the 12th in July 67. Capt brandenburg was senior advisor then and I as 1st Lt was deputy advisor in October 67 assigned senior advisor to the 12th LRRu ranger company and deputy HQ commander. Did we cross paths?
I am trying to get info on where my dad was killed, SFC William C Fraley killed July 6, 1966….do you remember him by any chance?
I was at Seminary beginning in aug 1966. Your Dad as I recall was a victim of the VC attack on the seminary july 6 or june 6th 1966. Sgt Kemper would recall better as he was 1st sgt for the med team but passed away last year. The VC attack was from the rear of the compound. Somehow after all these years I recall his name mentioned by Sgt kemper. My email address is advisoryteam75@gmail.com.
John, Denny here don’t know if you check this web site on a regular basis. Did not get to say good bye and thanks for your help @ Fort Ord
They told me I could re enlist for my own vacancy or head back to Vietnam . Said no thanks and got out after 6 1/2 yrs . 40 Yrs in the trucking
industry and retired out side of San Antonio. Stayed with 1/12 and 12th regt team at Cai Be tthru Tet and then stateside and Fort Ord
CAN U POST THEM
i was at My Tho From Oct 1967 to Mar 1968. I worked as an intelligence analyst (96 B) I don’t really recall where I lived except it was a villa compound down the road from a Vietnamese Ranger unit and up the road from, I think, 7th ARVN Div HQ.
Hi saw your post was wondering if you remember SGM Ronald Veasey. He was my dad
I am trying to find anyone that remembers the first day of the 1968 TET Offensive.
I am the guy that LTC Schowalter left at the Provincial Hospital with the 5 USAID Nurses. I got them all out unhurt, uninjured. I remember he told me that he would send help to evacuate them, but they were ambushed and never made it.
I got them to the Navy compound later that morning.
Does anyone remember what happened
I’ll be honest. I can’t remember a single name from that time.
You were at House 1. I was there n 66, then went to the Seminary left Sep 67.
I recently stumbled onto a photo album I’d stored away. There were quite a few pictures of fellow vets. Is there a way to post scans on this site?
This website does not have the ability to post videos or photos. If you want to share videos or photos with others, please do it directly with them and not through this website.
Put your photos in Tumblr, for example. Then you can look at them any time and direct people to your Tumblr site. Just a thought.
try Photo Bucket and then post a link
I was in house 1, in 1966….col. martin, maj rice, sgt snederker, sgt allen, cant recall the 1sgt, although I was responsible for breaking his collar bone in a Jeep accident. My immediate supervisor was Capt fisher.
I’m sp5 Paskovics, and just before leaving Vietnam Nam Col Martin asked if I would stay another 6 months. I told him I was getting out of the army, and I did, 22 years later. Retired MSG in 1987. House 1 was a great assignment and a bunch of great guys…..
Chuck…don’t know if you will remember me, but I was with you for awhile in House 1. (SP4 Robert T Gibbons) I went by “Tom” with most of my friends. I came to House 1 after I was pulled off my Bn Adv Tm because of a problem with a hernia operation. I had been a clerk/driver for COL Berry at the Seminary before my field time. Ring any bells?
My Father Dr Ralph G Leighty volunteered under the AMA program and worked in the orphanage I believe in 68 or 69
I believe I met him, it would have been right at or just after TET.
if I am correct let me know and I will tell you what he carried for protection.
Please contact me directly
pody@roadrunner.com
Thank you
I was a member of the team in 67-68 Does anyone know capt brandenburg with 12 Batalion 7th ARVN. I would like to reconnect with him and also Capt MacCarthy
I am the dumb squid that LTC Scholwalter left with the USAID Nurses at the Provincial Hospital. I am trying to find out what was happening around us that day. To be honest, by all rights none of us should have survived. Do you have any input on what was happening around the 7th ARVN HQ that first day?
Jon
Send me your mailing address as I don’t have access to scanner and last person who wanted it I found it easier to snail mail it or fax number. Note my other e mail address are advisoryteam75@gmail.com or vinhlong1966@gmail.com. You can forward copies to anyone else once you receive it
I remember a Captain McCarthy (MacCarthy?) who was part of Team 75 in 1967 or 1968. I think he was from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I also remember a Captain Brandenburg, who I think was a former West Point football player (All American I seem to remember). I don’t know what happened to either of these two guys but this information may help in tracking them down.
Could the football player have been Vanderkalin or something like that? 1LT Gary Hance
Capt Leake here, I was with Capt Brandenburg in the infantry battalion for 4 months as deputy advisor. Moved to Hqts as senior advisor to the 12th Recon company. There Capt McCarthy and I went on joint operations We also went in R&R to Hong Kong together. We were in the same sleeping area in the seminary. Brandenburg was seriously wounded in an ambush after I left the battalion and spend over 1 and 1/2 years in hospital. I have also been trying to find both of them. Does anyone have information on their locations?
Hi Rich, Since you were at My Tho and Tan Hiep you may enjoy reading a narrative I wrote about my 1964 duty at the Seminary and thru out the Delta.
Chris
Wouldlike to read your narrative of duty at My Tho &Tan Hiep.
Rich, send me your email address to edress below. I’ll then reply to your request.
Thanks, and welcome home!
chris
Chris, I was at My Tho in 1964 and would like to read your reminisces. My email address is wayne@endofthesearch.com Thank you.
richkoivisto@yahoo.com Welcome Home !
Haven’t found your narrative yet Chris ! Rich
I am still looking for guys that were in My tho during TET. Any ideas of who some of them are?
I am the dumb SOB that stayed at the Hospital with the USAID Nurses when Col Schowalter left to go to his HQ,
Jon
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
I’ll resend. Thanks, Chris
Rich, kindly send me your email address. “Letters Home” will be sent to you via Dropbox; it’s big.
Thanks, Chris
chris@greensblueandgray.com
richkoivisto@yahoo.com Thanks Chris ! Will look forward to reading it.
I was in MyTho for a month in 1963. USAF Advisor providing Weather Support at the Tan Hiep Airstrip. An Army Major gave me a ride to Tan Son Nhut so I could get paid. The sign above the gate to the compound read > Through these gates pass the best advisors in Vietnam. I am wondering if that is the same Major and if he would remember me. Thanks for your service ! Rich
I was assigned to Kien Hoa in August 1962. When I got to Viet Nam there was one house in Ben Tre and not enough room for three of us who were going to Kien Hoa. We had to wait about two months in My Tho at the seminary before a contract was let for a second house. When my wife and I visited Ben Tre several years ago, we were not able to find our old house–it was on a side street not next to the Provence Chief’s House. We visited just after they had opened the bridge from My Tho to Ben Tre.
I never heard back from Major Ames, but I hope he is well.
John,
Cpt Chuck ReCorr here. Saw you at Merrill Lynch home office in NYC ages ago. Where are you now?
Hi Chuck. Yes that was @ 40 years ago at One Liberty Plaza. I retired from Merrill after 30 years and now live in Sarasota, FL. To catch up, please email me at DaiWei@aol.com.
Chuck,
My new Email is Dai_uy@yahoo.com.
John
I was at My Tho in mid 1968 as a civilian visiting my friend Sp/4 David G. Knowles MACV. My question is, I lost track of my friend Sp/4 Knowles. Can anyone tell me what became of him? Also, we got some Coors beer from the world, and several people took pictures of us drinking it. Anyone happen to have a picture of him and a civilian in mis- matched fatigues drinking a couple 16oz Coors beers?
Thanks, Bob, I’ll check out your July 13 posting.
I just found a couple pictures of a Dust Off landing on the volley ball court to evacuate a WIA. As I recall, it was shortly after the Tet Offensive. If anyone wants them, let me know.
John,
I was there when that happened and have photos also. I was sitting up on the roof taking photos. As far as I recall that happened before Tet.
I was on a 60 at the front gate of the seminary the night of that dust off. Would really appreciate any pics. I think you had blonde hair and worked at division g-2 and had a leg wound from a treasure hunt op. Been trying to find info on ted Johnson. Please respond directly to Amarillolcd@gmail.com
Not trying to be pest, but can anyone explain to what is to special/secret about the events in MyTho during the opening hours of the 1968 TET Offensive.
Based on all the responses or lack there of, Team 75 was never there.
I am not trying to be a jerk. I got caught up in events by pure chance, and basically left to my own devices, and from what I have ben able to find out so far, left to die along with the USAID Nurses. I say this because later, after the sun was up a squad of Navy SEAL’s came to the hospital and told me that they were not sent to rescue them to but secure their bodies and find out how many had been captured. They were shocked to find all five alive, not captured and not wounded.
Where they set up for some form of negative VC/NVA PR stunt?
if I am bringing up memories that should be left alone I apologize, but I think I have earned the right for an answer.
I think they were taking out someone from signal who was a farm boy from Minnesota who was wounded from rocket shrapnel in the mess hall. He was my asst gunner on one of the .81mm mortars. I always enjoyed listening to his stories as we passed the night away during TET in the pit. I too thought that would have been within a week or two afterTET. I’d like a photo also if you still have any. Thanks,
I would like copies of the pictures I served as Assist Hq Comander and as advisor to the LRUP group I remember you. Been a while Lots went on during the TET and other times.
Hi John, I was @ The Seminary from Aug 67 thru Aug 68 and your name finally clicked. As I remember, you replaced Cpt. Hatten.?.? Anyway, I’d really like to preserve those for posterity. I worked with Kirt Rendy and Sgt Funk so I know they were there as well. If possible I’d love to have them.
Did you have any dealing with LTC Scholwalter?
He saved my butt during TET
Probably, the name is familiar but I can’t put it all together.
LTC Scholwalter was the senior advisor on team 75. he did not have to be in country having been awarded the MOH in Korea.
When he left country he was awarded a SS, Legion of Merit and a PH for TET.
For Bob Frank
If you are a real person, please respond to the address I provided or here.
One of the killed in 63 wasn’t McClain, was it?
Chris
According to the records at the National Archives, Team 75’s first casualty was Capt. WILLIAM RICHARD MC PHERSON, on 3-Dec-65.Before I returned to Vietnam in 2014, I searched the records at the National Archives for my unit’s operations (I was an adviser to the 2/11 and the Division RECON company in 1969-1970). Unfortunately most of my unit’s records for that time period were missing, lost, misplaced or misfiled etc.
The staff was very helpful and found some of Team 75’s records. One of the documents they provided was a list of Casualties. See my post from July 13, 2016 below for the list. I was under the impression the list was complete, however given the missing records when I did my search, I would not be surprised if the list was incomplete. After reviewing the list, please add anyone that was missed.
I hope this is helpful.
Bob Lee
I was at the compound in 1963 for a month as Weather Support at the Tan Hiep Airstrip. Do not remember what month it was but heard that the VC attacked the front gate area a couple of weeks after I left back to Tan Son Nhut & DaNang.
I am the sailor from the River Group stationed in My Tho, and was stranded at the hospital with the USAID Nurses. There was a LTC Schowalter present for awhile.
If interested in the full story, provide a means to contact you directly
I am trying to locate anyone that was in My Tho for TET. Specifically anyone that remember the events at the Provincial Hospital, and the evacuation of President Thieu
I can provide some comments. Please identify yourself and your interest.
Please contact me at “pody@roadrunner.com”
For Bob Frank: I was left with the USAID Nurses at the Provincial Hospital by LTC Schowalter. I was told to keep them safe and he would send transports to evacuate them. That never happened.
I kept them safe but to this day I need, really need to know what happened.
they were five of most loving ladies it has been my privilege to have ever know. I took a bayonet defending them. All I want to know is what happened, and why no one seemed to care, no one.
My name is Jon and I am a River Rat. contact me at “pody@roadrunner.com”
Bob
My name is Jon
I was at the hospital with the Nurses from before supper until sometime the next afternoon. For awhile LTC Schowalter was there with us.
I am trying to fill in the blanks on what was happening around us, can you help?
Major (Lt Col) Ames,
It is good to hear from you. I left the military in Feb 1964, got married and moved to Connecticut where our three kids were born. After 8 1/2 years of cold weather, I found a job with Arizona Public Service Co that was almost as exciting as work advising ARVN in Kien Hoa. A few years ago, my wife and I did a Cambodia/Vietnam river cruise with Elderhostel (now Road Scholar). We stopped for an evening at My Tho and the American who led the cruise for Elderhostel arranged for a taxi over the new bridge from My Tho to Ben Tre. No more ferries and a new road too. Ben Tre has changed greatly and we couldn’t find our Advisor Quarters when we got there. There were building all around the lake and the market was quite crowded. So my wife didn’t really get the feel of how it was in 1962 and 1963 when we were there. But we were happy we got there and she could see the town where I wrote many letters to her.
Our three grown kids and five grandkids are all live within 30 minutes of where we live in Tempe.
I always enjoyed you and respected your leadership and when I think of the people I worked for over the years, you are tops. I hope you are doing well. Thank you for putting a comment on this site.
Carter Rogers
I was at the old MACV Team 93 later 88 area yesterday. In Saigon today. The only building from those days left is the old Province Chief Chief’s House/Hq. The MACV Team was right next door with both gates opening onto a road paralleling the Ben Tre River. Like most previous Province Hq, the current guys made it a museum. Down the road a piece is a pretty good size Hotel, the Vietnam-Australian Hotel. You can still see the province Hq on Google Earth and there are photos of the museum building. You must have gotten assigned to Ben Tre right after they established provincial teams.
I was TDY at the 7th compound in MyTho for a month in 1963. I was providing Weather Support at the TanHiep Airstrip. I was the only AF guy in the compound. We were not allowed to head out to the strip until the sun came up and had to leave when the sun went down, because of VC in the area. Any one else stationed there during that time period. An Army Major took me up ShotGun Alley so that I could get paid at TanSon Nhut. One helluva ride that was !
I was with the 4/11at the time of the fire at the Seminary and only remember the aftermath of the burned out area. John, my counterpart with the 11th Recon Co. was 1lLT Thuan. I would be very interested in any ARVN soldier’s you may find. I’m leading a tour to Vietnam with a small company named Dog Tag Tours. Thanks.
I was in the Seminary during the Tet Offensive but I don’t recall anyone being killed as you have described. However, I do remember someone being wounded who was evacuated in the days following — sometime during February 1968. I remember a Dust Off landed on the basketball court to pick up the WIA. I vividly recall that the landing and the take-off were straight up and down so that the rotor would miss the surrounding obstacles. However, my understanding at the time was that it was not an American who had been wounded; rather, it was an ARVN or someone else who merited that kind of attention. I also remember the medical officer telling me that the WIA had been treated in the dispensary prior to evacuation and that he had lost his testicles.
Also, I am going back to Viet Nam this Fall and am planning a side trip to My Tho on November 3. I am particularly interested in connecting with any former VC who were active in the Delta or ARVN officers from the 7th Division. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Specifically, I have been told that there is a former ARVN officer from the 7th Division (amazing that he is still alive) who is hosting tourists in the Ben Tre area. Does anyone know how to contact him?
I was an Intelligence analyst for Team 75, attached to the 7th ARVN Div and stationed at the Seminary. I was assigned to bunker B2 for guard duty assignments during night hours. Maybe the WIA you’re referring to was the American who was wounded in bunker B2 one night when a rocket landed in the bunker. The two soldiers in the bunker were wounded that night. One was walking around the next day with stiches in his head but the other was hurt badly enough to be evacuated. I never heard what had happened to him and have always wondered. I was in the bunker also that night, but I was assigned to the bottom (street level) and was unharmed. The two wounded were “upstairs”. I don’t remember the date, but I served there from Jul ’67 to Jul ’68. Despite Intelligence reports, we were not attacked during TET. What a relieve that was because we had reason to believe we were doomed.
Hi John,
I was with River Division 533 and we were in My Tho during the ’68 Tet attack.
There were no “in-town” Navy casualties, (PBR crew, SEALs or NSA personnel ) for actions “in-town” or the immediate surrounding area for that first week. I am unaware of any Navy casualties in J.C. Fisher’s unit though.
On that particular morning, three fellow PBR sailors and I were patrolling town in a ‘borrowed’ Jeep and a pick-up and some time during that afternoon, we saw an Army Jeep at the soccer field. We pulled up to find out they were awaiting a Dustoff to evacuate an American soldier, but didn’t get the rest of the info as the situation was still pretty fluid.
We hung around to see if our help was needed and in short time, we heard that familiar sound only a Huey has.
As it was making its approach, the shutters in the announcer’s booth across the field flung open and not wanting to take any chances, we took the windows under fire.
While that was happening, the Army NCOIC ran out onto the field to waive the off the Dustoff.
We escorted the Jeep back to the docks and one of our boats took the WIA to Dong Tam.
Ken Delfino United States Navy (Ret) RivDiv 533, TF-116 (10/66-7/68)
John, it’s been 49 years, but I do remember you. Did you ever make contact with any of our ARVN counterparts? Would enjoy hearing from you.
I was a 1LT advisor and knew people who served at 7th Div HQ. It’s very likely that we met at the Seminary. I do remember the Yossarian jeep.
You may remember the jeep that I rebuilt and had the name, Yossarian, painted on the windshield. When I rotated in January 1969, I left it behind. I’m going back this November to see if any of the whorehouses are still there.
I served with 4/11, 32nd BDQ, and 11th Recon Co. during Sep 68 – Sep 69. Interested in sharing stories, photos, lies, etc. with others who were on Team 75 during that time. The name of Maj Marlow is familiar as we called him Major Major.
Jim
I came after you at the end of November 1969 and was assigned to the 2/11 as the rebuilt and was later assigned to the division recon company. Did you meet your replacement in the 11th recon company and keep in touch with him? . I believe it was either Lt Welborn (Welbourn) or Lt Whitteker. I would like to contact either of them if anyone has any information. I am also looking for information on my RTO Sgt. Brewer, from Kentucky.
Jim, those are the same months I was assigned to Adv. Team 75. Col. Tansey was our CO.
Capt. Marino… I was your replacement! You broke me in well. The one story you told me I remember best was that you had convinced your mom that you were assigned to Korea to keep her from worrying. God bless. 1Lt John Lowe
Yes, Jim. You remember it very well. I finally confessed to her when I returned home. She was both upset and happy that she didn’t worry about me. I mostly did it for my father who had a heart attack just previous to my deployment. It’s amazing that I don’t know many of these Team members on this site. I guess our dates don’t jive. Hope you are doing well.
I servered in the comm. center inside the seminary at the 7th ARVN unit. 68-69
Our XO was Lt. Haley dnk first name.
Went tdy to dong tam got hit by shrapnal from a mortor.
Haley wouldn’t approve my purple heart papers from the Mash unit.
It sure has been.a long time…..
Team 75
LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FALLEN
in 2014, prior to my return visit to Vietnam, I spent two days at the national archives in Maryland searching for and reviewing operational records of my two units (2/11 and the Division Reconnaissance Company) for 1969 and 1970. Unfortunately, many of the records during 1970 were missing from the archives. The military assistants in the archives were extremely helpful, trying to locate records. One of the assistants provided a casualty list for team 75. I wanted to share the list so we could honor and remember their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice.
Name RNK GR MOS D DATE
MC PHERSON, WILLIAM RICHARD CPT 03 1542 3-Dec-65
FRALEY, WILLIAM CLIFFORD SFC E7 11F40 6-Jul-66
LEE, JOHN F 1LT 02 6-Jul-66
LEONARDI, JERRY LEE SFC E7 11B4H 10-Jul-66
‘BROWN, SHERRILL VANCE CPT 03 82162 10-Jul-66
MAHONEY, HARRY CURTIS JR MSG E8 11B4H 21-Jan-67
PEEPLES, HARDY WINSTON CPT 03 81542 21-Jan-67
TRIZZA, SAM RICHARD JR 1LT 02 81542 2-Jun-67
BILLS, RUFUS WILSON SFC E7 11C4H 3-Aug-67
VAN LONE, MURRAY WAYNE SR SSG E6 11E4H 20-Jan-68
WILLIAMS, HOWARD SSG E6 11B4H 20-Feb-68
POPE, ROBERT DALE 1LT 02 81542 26-Mar-68
HOFFNER, WAYNE HENRY SFC E7 11B4H 26-Apr-68
DAMMER, WILHELM KARL SSG E6 11 E40 5-May-68
BELLAMY, ANTHONY RODNEY MAJ + 03 1204 5-May-68
RICH, JOSEPH WALTER SSG E6 11C40 17-Jun-68
JONES, CHARLES ALEXANDER SFC E7 11B4H 22-May-69
CASTLEBERRY, JIMMIE LYNN SP4 E4 05B40 14-Oct-69
KIRCHMAYER ANDREW GREGORY CPT 03 1542 18-Nov-69
YOSHINO, KANJI SFC E7 11B4H 18-Nov-69
GREEN, JOE WORTH MAJ + 03 G1542 1-Apr-70
GUERRERO, FRANK ROBERT SP4 11B20 3-Jun-70
This is John Rowe. I served with SFC Chuck Jones in Ben Tre with the 10th Reg. He was the senior NCO advisor to the 1/10, and I was the battalion advisor to the 2/10. Chuck was a great guy, a great soldier, and a great American. His death was both a huge and sad loss to us with the 10 Reg. I think about him often.
I recall a new Team 75 guy sometime in 1964 (never knew his name) was run over by a bus on hwy 1 in Tan Am.
Chris
Every death over there was significant and tragic but I think the above list I received from the National Archives only included combat related deaths
The list isn’t complete. Cpt. Gary M. Clements was killed Aug. 6. 1969. He was my replacement when I went on R&R. When I returned, I recovered his body.
John
First of all, I can’t imagine a worse set of circumstances as you returned from R&R . As I said, due to the volume of missing records,I do not have any confidence the list the National Archives provided was complete. I would like to ensure the list is as complete as possible to honor the fallen. I can reissue the list, adding Capt. Clements, citing your addition or letting your reply stand on it’s own. If we accept the latter, Capt. Clements might be lost because your reply is separated by several comments from the original post. What are your thoughts?
I recall three advisors all officers KIA during my tour in My Tho Last names Pease , Peoples and Pope. Peoples and Sgt Mahoney were in a Jeep which ran over a mine. I recall the small memory board listing KIA from Mo Cay- Kien Hoa prov in 1963. By the way I have complete list of all advisors assigned to Seminary date spring 1967 includes Air Force
contact me if you want further info or pics from that era rkercull@gmail.com. note advisor called Pope also KIA during that timeframe
I was there July 20, 66 to July 67. CPT Homer Pease was killed in either September or October 66. Pope was also a CPT, but I can’t remember his first name he and I were in the Armor Career class together.
I remember attending the memorial service for Capt. Kirchmayer at the chapel ? in the Seminary. I think he drown in a river crossing. I believe I still have the program from the memorial. 1LT Sam Robertson, Advisor to 7th Div. Division Recon. (May to November 1969)
I just found this site today. I was the Hq Comandant for Adv #75 July 1966 to July 1967. During that time there were only 4 KIAs. CPT Homer Pease, District Advisor from East Tennessee District operation, CPT Hardy Peeples and MSG Harry Mahoney, Ranger Bn Advisors, IED coming in to the Seminary on a Saturday morning and 1/Lt Sam Trazza, Infantry Advisor, 2 days after being assigned to Adv Tm #75. I got there the first of July and Seminary had already been cleaned up and repairs made from the mortar attack.
You forgot Pope who also was KIA I AL
always remember pease, peoples and pope. Mahoney and People’s were in same Jeep early Jan morning 1967
I was there late aug 66 thru Ug 67you are accurate in Pease,peoples and Mahoney. As you recall Big John Lance Col was the SA DONG TAM CALLED WHISKEY BASE and RMK BRJ just started dredging with JamaicaBay sunk 9 or 12th Jan 1967
Also try me at email address
advisoryteam75@gmail.com
I was at seminary Aug 66 thru Aug 67 Have complete list of all people assigned to adv team 75 as of june 67
I have complete list of all personnel assigned to adv team 75 For instance your SN and middle initial- send me your e mail address. I have two one is rkercull@gmail.com and the other is advisoryteam75@gmail.com
I was at seminary same time frame I have list of all personnel at seminary July 1967. Your in it
Homer Pease should be in list KIA Kien Hoa province 66-67
I did not read down far enough. Sorry about the redundancy.
Missing from this list is, Major Homer L Pease, November 19, 1966 and CPT Bernard S Plaza, November 23, 1966. Probably because they were both district advisors and their Tm numbers were different. Maj Pease was Tm 93 and CPT Plaza was Tm 83.
Disregard the above post at this time. I was preparing a list of the members of team 75 killed in action and this was inadvertently posted prematurely. Prior to my return to Vietnam I Spent two days Researching records at the national archives in Maryland. Unfortunately, many of the records during the 1970 era were missing.The research assistants were quite helpful and I was able to piece together some records. One of the assistance provided a list of team members killed in action. I wanted to share this list but was having formatting problems on the website and the above post was accidentally submitted. When I work out the formatting problems I will resubmit the list. I apologize for the potential confusion
From rkercull@gmail.com. I was at the seminary from Sept 66 thru late Aug 67. I recall several members KIA- officers Pease, Pope and Hardy Peeples. Sgt Mahoney was killed in jeep with Hardy Peeples when jeep ran over a mine. In 1963 two advisors were killed in subsector Mo Cay but I lost their names. Seminary attacked from the rear canal June 1966 and killed Fraley- I think the date 6 July 66 is wrong. I don’t remember Lt Sam Trizza KIA during my tour
There were two advisors killed in Mo Cay subsector either in 63 or 64. Between Sept 66 and Sept 67 officers KIA from AT 75 were Peeples, Pope and Pease. Sgt Mahoney was Killed with Peeples jan 67 when Jeep was blown while on road AM Jan 21st.Pope was assigned to subsector in Kien Hoa since I placed him a body bag. The year I was assigned to HQ in My Tho at the seminary we had other enlisted men killed but I never kept a log. There was a small plaque on the wall where the AOD sat that had all advisors listed who were KIA but I never took a [icture of it as it would be helpful
Ken
contact me at pody@roadrunner.com
For John Head—-when I moved to Morgan Hill CA i went next door to meet the neighbors. It was a Vietnamese Family. The wife was (is) a Pharmacist in Saratoga, CA. The husband—-Dr Vu or Vo was the Division Surgeon for 7th ARVN. They were very nice people but moved to Saratoga wihin a year of our arrival. I had flown in many times with the CG of IV Corps and the DSA between Jan-Jun 68 while assigned to Team 96. After that I spent a year based out of Cao Lanh with either Team 50 or 41st BDQ. Hard to imagine Dr. Vu is still alive. I am 68 and would guess he would be in his mid 80’s now.
I am planning a trip to Viet Nam in November 2016, with a side trip to My Tho. Any suggestions? I am particularly interested in finding an English-speaking guide who is familiar with any surviving officers of the Seventh ARVN Division, members of the Viet Cong battalions we were operating against, as well as a arranging a visit to the Seminary.
Mr. Head, I believe we have met in My Tho; at least your name is familiar, anyway, contact me at pody@roadrunner.com and I will pass on some names and POC info
I was assigned to Team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970. I spent my first 10 months in the field as an advisor first to the 2/11 and then the Division Recon Company. I spent my last two months running the PX at Dong Tam.
My wife and I went back to Vietnam and Cambodia in March 2014 and I hired a guide through the Hotel in Saigon.Since we were married during my tour, it was interesting to see her visualize what she had only imagined before. I returned to My Tho and found it to be much more built-up than I remembered. The seminary is now a police station and Dong Tam is a Vietnamese military base however part of it has been converted to a snake farm opened to the public. Most of the wooden barracks had been torn down and replaced. I tried to get permission to enter both the seminary and Dong Tam but the police and military refused my request. My Tho still has some very good restaurants and the food was excellent.
We looked for some of the Vietnamese I served with. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any and hope you have better luck. I returned to some of the areas we operated in and was amazed how little had changed in some of the smaller villages in the rice patties and coconut groves. I brought back many memories, some good and some not so good.
Overall it was a good trip the and I think I resolved some issues. My email is rlee343@comcast.net if you have any questions before you leave.
The seminary is new a police station and difficult to get inside. The location is easy to find as it sits on the north side of the old route 4. and is where the old dirt road forked off to the airfield. The fork in the road if you have and old map is approx 200 ft on the south side of the original hwy 4 from the seminary entrance. everything will look different after 50 yrs
his wife’s sisters house was just south of the reservoir where he was staying. he arrived in My Tho on January 29 unannounced and with only his normal 6 man protective detail. I was at the hospital with the USAID Nurses when a CIA guy came by and went to 7th ARVN HQ, the next thing I knew the ARVN company assigned to the hospital was stripped and sent to the house. One sailor and five nurses left completely alone.
Mike
I was assigned to River Section 532. for TET I was the guy that stayed at the Provincial Hospital with the USAID nurses.
I have finished my Vietnam memoir (it only took 50 years!), and it is now on PDF. Framed around my letters home, the memoir is full of photos, vignettes, sketches and, at the end, a short story. I was a Medic in the Delta in 1964, stationed at the Seminary, Ben Tre, Ba Ria, and Bien Hoa. Anyone interested in receiving a copy via Dropbox, email me at chris@greensblueandgray.com. It would be an honor and a privilege to share a copy with you.
Hi Neal,
I never met your brother back then, and I’m sorry for your loss. I was at the Seminary in Nov 64. I was a Field Medic who did MEDCAP all around III & IV Corps. Keep reading and posting here, and eventually you’ll find someone who knew your brother in Vietnam.
Neal Bradley I have been trying to find info on an incident for the same date that you lost your brother. Would love to piece it together. Stengric@gmail.com.
If you could you provide some information, I would greatly appreciate it
Thanks
Neal Bradley
ncbradley@bellsouth.net
I had a brother that was assigned to MACV Team 75. He was Captain Rubin Bradley. He was there Nov. 64 – Jun 65. He was KIA June 28, 1965. He was a Army Special Forces Advisor. I was wondering if anyone knew him or ever meet him.
Thanks
Neal Bradley
sir, my name is Jack Cook and I was assigned to Team 75, as a E-5 from Oct 64 until Oct 65 and I never knew or hear the name of
CPT Bradley. I returned again in Aug 68 as a CPT with Special Forces at Can Tho, and operated in some of the same areas as my first tour……smiles….Cpt Cook
Sam, Thanks for your note. Not many people on this site from the ’62 to’63 time frame. Air support for IV Corps during that time frame was provided by TDY fighter pilots who kept the L19 (I think that the designations of these Cessna airplanes while I was there) in Kien Hoa Province near Ben Tre. The pilots were TDY from Okinawa and were used to ferry the IV Corps General to various locations and/or to observe ground operations. During Ap Bac, General Vann made observations from the plane and tried to assist the troops on the ground via the advisors. The TDY Air Force pilots stayed with us in Ben Tre. I don’t remember their names. When the L19 was in Saigon for maintenance in the fall of 1963, the pilot went out on an operation with the ground troops and got shot. He was evacuated back to the States.
The pilot was Lt. Gray, he was on an operation with the ground units Captain J. L. Smith our S2 was with him at the time. Lt. Grey had an AR15 one of the early ones and was eager to use it in combat, and did. Gray was sent to Saigon, then to Clark Field, the last I heard from him, was a wedding invitation, one of the nurses who treated him at Clark. I am John Ames, I was senior advisor for Ben Tre, 1963-64
Michael Glatz here formally of 2/11. Do either one of you remember me.
Michael. I think we met once or twice during our tour. I was with the 2/11 from November 28, 1969 (about a week after they were ambushed and suffered extensive casualties) until February 1970 when I took over as the senior advisor to the division recon company. My last two months in country, I ran the PX at dong Tam. I don’t think our time overlapped with the 2/11 but must have met at dong Tam. My RTO was a Sergeant Brewer from Kentucky. Do you remember him as I had been trying to locate him.
bob
My uncle is Les Weisenhorn.
Tell your uncle Les Weisenhorn hello for me. I haven’t seen him for several years. The last time I saw him he was bitching about the birds eating up whatever he was growing out by Lamar. And I fondly remember him from reassembling the jeep that I had.
Hi David! My name is Kristin. My uncle is Les Weisenhorn. If you would like his contract info, please email me at KHowe9312@yahoo.com. He would be thrilled to hear from you!
Pretty cool!
I was CO of the 61st Medical Detachment (Preventive Medicine) at Dong Tam. Headed back to VN next month in an effort to locate Vietnamese friends after 48 years.
Did not know Capt Linh. Sorry I cannot help you with that. Good luck in your visit to Vietnam.
David.
I was an adviser to the 2/11 and the division reconnaissance company from November 1969 Through 1970. My wife and I took a two week tour of Vietnam and Cambodia last year. The last five or six days was on a Viking River cruise from Phnom Penh to My Tho on the Mekong River. Following the tour I hired a private guide and returned to My Tho for two or three days to look for some of the Vietnamese I served with. Unfortunately I was unable to locate any and hope you have better luck.I returned to some of the areas we operate in and was amazed how little some of the smaller villages and rice patties had changed.
There have been many changes as you can imagine. The seminary is now a police station and Dong Tam is a Vietnamese military base however part of it has been converted to a snake farm. Most of the wooden barracks had been torn down and replaced. I tried to get permission to enter both the seminary and Dong Tam but the police and military refused my request.
This was a good trip the and I think I resolved some issues. I hope You have a good trip. My email is rlee343@comcast.net if you have any questions before you leave. I would also like to hear how your visit was when you return.
Best Regards
Bob
David
My reply to your post got attached to Kurt Rindy’s note below. (Blame it on old age and operator error.) If you were at the seminary before dong Tam, I remember eating lunch with you one Monday after you completed the physical exams of the people the MPs brought in.
Bob Lee
Morning, I am looking for anyone that was in My Tho around TET that remembers what happened at the Provincial Hospital and the Orphanage. I spent the night at the hospital with LTC Schowalter before he left to get back to the CP.
Hi David! My uncle would like to catch up. Please email me your contact info and I’ll get it to him. Thanks so much! He’s interested in talking with you,.
Hi Kristin: I’m not sure who your uncle is, but happy to get connected.
This is John Rowe. I served with MACV Team 75 from August 1968 to August 1969. COL Hubert Tansey (West Point ’43) was the CO of Team 75 and the advisor to the Vietnamese general who commanded the 7th ARVN Division. I was a Captain then, and I was the battalion advisor to the Second Battalion of the 10 Regiment (2/10) that was operating out of Ben Tre when I came in-country. In addition to me, our 2/10 advisory team consisted of 1LT Robert Buck, SFC Carvelho, and SFC Bobby Garris. I replaced CPT Willard McLean. When I reported to the 10th Regiment, Major Bert Esworthy was the advisor to the Vietnamese commanding officer of the 10th Regiment, COL Kim. Major Jim Garvey (West Point Class of 1960) replaced MAJ Esworthy about the end of calendar year 1968. In 1968-69, the 10th Regiment had four battalions – two that operated out of Ben Tre and two that operated out of Ba Tri which was South of Ben Tre. COL Kim coordinated the combat operations of the two battalions that operated out of Ben Tre, and the Vietnamese Regimental XO, Major An, coordinated the combat operations of the two battalion that operated out of Ba Tri. In the late spring of 1969, I became the advisor to Major An. I have kept up with COL Kim through his son Long Pham who now lives in Georgia; COL Kim died earlier this summer (2015) in Vietnam. Jim Garvey died in 2002, and I think that Bobby Garris died in 2003. Does anyone know the whereabouts of LT Buck or SFC Carvelho? Thanks.
John, I stumbled on this site after looking through some of my dad’s records, Major David Bear. He was a part of Advisory Team 75 from April 1967 through March 1968. Initially, I believe he was an advisor to a Vietnamese battalion in Cai Lay, then moved to My Tho (House 1) in December 1967, shortly before Tet. If you are still monitoring this sight, I would be interested to know if you knew my dad. He passed away in 2007. Thanks in advance. David Bear, Jr.
David, because I came to Ben Tre in August 1968, I did not know your Dad,
Hello all,
My name is Al Vanderbush and lived in the Seminary as an Asst G3 Advisor during the TET Offensive. I remember COL Tansey and many others.
Does anyone know what happened to Lt T. Wolff? I believe he was in country 67-68
contact info would be great
Jon,
My name is Bill Leach, I was a Lt on Tm 59, changed to Tm 80, in 67/68. I know a bunch about Lt. Wolfe, Give me a call 978-646-9507. He is a much published author. Regards, Bill Leach, Rockport, MA
Bill – your phone number is different in your two most recent posts. Is it 546 or 646?
Please confirm your phone number or leave an email address
Jon
Was TDY to MyTho/Tan Hiep for a month in “63” . The only thing at the Airstrip was a sign and a tent with sandbags around it. Was not allowed at the strip before sunrise or after sunset.
I had forgotten the nickname “Shotgun Alley”. I was there from January to about July ’64, then to Ben Tre, Ba Ria. I spent many days at Tan Hiep as the airstrip Medic.
Col. Markey was in charge back then of the 7th.
ShotGun Alley was quite the experience between Saigon and MyTho, especially in an old Army Jeep
Hi Michael Glatz here. While in RVN from 1970-1971, I served as an Advisor at the Basic Training School for RVN Soldiers and then later with the 1/11 7th ARVN. Would like to make contact with anyone that remembers me. Particulary interested in finding Sgt Vargas, Sgt Soto and or Capt Lee
In seeing your comments on Sp/4 Frank Gurrero our mail man at that, I am wondering if anyone can remember me. I was one of the radio operator at 9th ID. My time with Ad Tm 75 was from Feb 70 to Jun 70, also 7th ARVN ID. If you can help, let me know. Thanks in advance.
After spending 10 months in the field as an advisor, I was reassigned to the PX at Dong Tam. During September or October 1970 there was a MPC swap. The gates at Dong Tam were locked and all of team 75’s MPC was collected that night and given to me to take to Saigon. The next morning, my Sgt. and I drove to MACV Headquarters in Saigon with $300,000-$350,000 in MPC currency.
Although we arrived early, there were several units ahead of us. It took hours for our bag of money to be counted, verified and the appropriate paperwork completed. The MPC had to be replaced with the exact number of each denomination turned in so it could be returned to the troops in the same denominations that were taken from them. At about 4:30 or 5:00 PM we received our money and told we needed to sign a receipt after we verified the count. After looking at our watch and anticipating the drive back to My Tho and Dong Tam on “Shotgun Alley” through Tan An we opted to sign the receipt, pray that it was right and try to get back before dark. Needless to say it was a very quick ride back. I don’t think either of us slept well that night. We were both relieved the next morning when we learned the count was right and everyone was reimbursed
Good to hear about someone else running down “Shotgun Alley” ! That damn Jeep wouldn’t go fast enough for me !
Im Rodney Jones. I was with 1/11th,7th Infantry Advisory team75 from 1969 thru 1970. I served as RTO/Light weapons advisor.Ive been looking for pictures from that tour. All my pics were stolen at out processing In the states. I don’t remember any names except a guy named Vargas. My Captain was on his second tour and was flown out in a straightjacket while we were back at Dong Tam. We very rarely got back to Dong Tam and usually stayed with our ARVN unit based between Dong Tam and My Tho.The who time there was like the wild wild west and extended my tour 3 months so I wouldn’t have to pull stateside duty, when I did this they put me in the PX at Dong Tam. I went weekly from Dong Tam to Saigon for the PX.
Rodney sorry to hear you lost your photographs. I have posted mine on Flickr were we at the PX to gather. After 10 months in the field I spent October and November 1970 at the PX at dong Tam. Were you the driver involved in an attempted hijacking by a Vietnamese gang in Saigon as the truck returned to dong Tam loaded with electronics cigarettes etc.?I think I have additional photographs of some of the Vietnamese employees at the PX. I will try to find them and send them to you. My email address is rlee343@comcast.net
Bob Lee
Rodney
I believe I have found for photographs of you when we were playing football in the PX loading yard. Send me your email address and I will send them to you. My email address is rlee343@comcast.net.
Best regards,Bob Lee
Capt Guy D Hall here Rodney. Been looking for you. Contact me please.
I was with team 75 69-71 would like to find lt welborn of any one could help
I wish I had a map that showed exactly where the Army Compound was and where the airstrip was in relation to it, as I don’t remember since it has been 50 some odd yeas ago!(TanHiep)
I remember being sunning up on the roof behind a sandbag bunker. and later ,watching a VC flag go up across the canal before dark. We weren’t allowed out of the compound after sunset or before sunrise. Same with the airstrip. A Caribou had it’s landing gear blown off by a landmine earlier so when we got to the strip after sunrise we would run the perimeter of the landing area in a jeep looking for fresh dirt.
Was the only AF guy at the time and did not get paid so the Army Major took me up to Ton Son Nhut to the AF Paymaster. Up Shotgun Alley, we were run off the road by 3 deuce & a halfs coming at us, supposedly ARVN but the center truck almost took us over a rice paddy dike.
The VC had already infiltrated the SVN ranks. I still see the grin on his face as he whizzed by. Don’t remember the rest of the trip up or back ! Scary times !
I was the District Senior Advisor in Cho Gao just east of My Tho and remember the June 9, 1966 attack on the Seminary as we monitored the Team 75 radio at night in case they sent us late operation requirements for the next day. It was quite a hulabaloo over the radio but we mustered the entire district compound to the walls in case we were a secondary target–all was quiet through the night. My jeep was blown off the road the next day by a sapper team but no Americans were in it–my driver was uninjured along with a couple of PFs. That same day, Captain Ted Cuzick from the 7th ARVN Advisory Team came out to pay us and tend to our medical ills (mainly crotch rot from the paddy ops) and told us of the attack–mainly recoilless rifle and mortar fire as I recall his words. I think a special forces sergeant was killed standing on a small balcony going out to observe the attack–mortar hit the small roof above him–guess he was just visiting from one of the camps–probably My Dien camp northwest in Long Dinh District–bad luck. This might have been in another incident rather than that night. Any body recall any casualties that night. I had many good contacts with Col. Sid Berry thereafter–he helped me to get into grad school for the Foreign Area Officer program. He died from severe Parkinson’s Disease–a good officer and commander. +RIP+
I wasn’t at the Seminary during that attack, but I remember those that were saying that someone died crossing the basketball court. Those walls were a patched up mess when I arrived in Mar 67 and stayed till May 69. I was mail clerk the first year and clerked the mess assoc the second. Was the only guy left on the mortar team after everyone rotated for home just as TET started. Got to shoot HE anywhere I wanted every hour all night long for a while.
Hello Craig, my name is Joe Abarno.I was stationed at the Seminary, My Tho in 68/69. During that time the building was attacked and our bunk arears were destroyed by fire. For some time we had no uniforms and when we got replacements we had no patches which got us in trouble when we went into town. Drove on Shotgun alley many times to go to and from Dong Tam for tdy.
I was in the signal corp and reported to a Lt. Healy (first name unrecalled).
I , just wanted to say hello. If you have time drop me an email at: area51jma@aol.com
It would be nice to hear from someone else that was there.
Joe
I was stationed at the Seminary in My Tho from Jan 66 thru Feb 67. I was an enlisted man working for Col Sidney B Berry Jr and later Col John E Lance Jr. Does anyone remember the attack on the Seminary on June 9, 1966? Couldn’t find my pants in the dark. Myself and a security guard who arrived that morning defended the bunker on the far north end. Col Lance informed me that I was out of uniform because I was wearing jockey shorts instead of Army issue boxers. He was dressed the same way.
I was stationed in My Tho from January ’66 to October ’66. I remember well the attack on June 9th. I was with the 581st signal group there. I was an unassigned guy that went to the mess hall on the alerts at the time. Usually there were about 15 to 20 of us in there but that night there were only two of us. The guy came next to me when he came in and a minute or two later the back wall was hit and came in on us. An officer came in to see who was there. We were alright, just covered with debris and scared. He needed someone for the bunker on the ARVN barn side. The other guy had his weapon but no ammo. I gave him a clip but he had a white t-shirt on and I was dressed fully so I was the one sent to the bunker. A week or so later I was assigned to the concrete bunker near the RTT hut and responsible for the BAR. I’ll never forget that night as they walked the mortars all around the building and set up inside the Vietnamese Rangers billet next to us. They were also in the “White Mice” hut across the highway in front. We had the two mortar pits in the back but never got a chance to fire a round. 57 recoil-less hit us from across the river in back. Went as security to the helipad down the road to evacuate the wounded.
Ken…don’t know if you remember me, but I worked for COL Berry before you did. I was an RTO for SFC Nicolosi in S2 when the Recon needed a team, then went to the field as a Light Wpns Inf Adv before I required a hernia operation at the 3rd Fld Hospital in Saigon. After my field time, I went to House 1 until I rotated out in Aug ’66. Ring any bells? Then I was SP4 Robert T Gibbons (Tom to my friends). Send me an email at MajTom01@live.com if you want.
Ken: It has been a long time since we served together…hope you remember me. Then SP4 Tom Gibbons, now just an old retired Major living in Medellin, Colombia. Would love to reconnect with you, if you choose. Use my personal email, pls.
I was assigned to Team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970 and was initially assigned as an adviser to the 2/11 as they were rebuilding and retraining following a disastrous engagement during early November in 1969 (just prior to my arrival) I was later reassigned as an adviser to the Division Reconnaissance Company. I have been trying to locate my RTO ,SGT. Brewer. He was an E-4 at the Seminary and the 1st SGT. Convinced he to extend for 6 months so he could get an early out when he went home and would not have to serve out the remainder of his enlistment. He was also promoted to E-5. He was then told there were no E-5 slots at the Seminary and was reassigned to the Division Recon Company as my RTO. It has been too many years and I cannot recall his first mane but I would like to contact him if anyone has any information about him. He was from Kentucky.
Bob, I was at the Seminary for a while in 1964, then went to Ben Tre. I have just 3 shots of the place and none is very good, I’m sorry to say.
BTW, I graduated from LG High in 61.
I went to the site you gave us, but w/o your email address I can’t get in to see your photos. I’m finishing up a manuscript about my year in VN, and would like to include more photos of the Seminary; I’d cite you as the source.
“Welcome Home”
Chris,
With sincere apologies for the extraordinary delay in replying to your note of May 13 of last year, my email addrss is: RConner@Thornapple.net
I live in, and work out of, West Palm Beach, Florida. Since writing my log entry last May, I have been pretty busy and traveling a lot. I smly didn’t have occasion to check this website until now by pure chance. I was unaware that my email address was needd to see my photos since other members of my Class of ’64 at Camden High School in San Jose have been able to see the photos without any trouble. I would be happy to provide you any of the photos I have, which are all on the website.
In addition to touring My Tho and staying overnight on the south side of the Mekong in Ben Tre, my wife, Tracy, and I spent two nights at the Rex Hotel in Saigon, wherevthe rooftop bar was still doing a brisk business under a sign that read “Five O’Clock Follies,” just as e had referred to the ‘news’ briefings at the very sane rooftop bar during the war, when it was commonplace to watch B-52 bomb strikes from the roof. It was surreal to drive from Saigon down to My Tho on what used to be QL-4 in an air-conditined Mercds Benz with a Wi-Fi antenna on the roof, given that the previous time I drove down QL-4 was standing up n the turret of a Military Police V-100 amphibious armored car with electric machine guns. After we visited the site of the old Franciscan seminary, whch is now a National Police training barracks, and notic a volley ball net hanging in the courtyard, we walked past the “Apple My Tho” store on the way to downtown. I felt as if I was an ‘extra’ un thecfilming of Forrst Gump
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Bob
have pics of seminary and My Tho from 66-67 and from various places like Moc Hoa, Kien hoa various subsectors. Started to read your letters- very accurate I will read the chapters about seminary and My Tho when I have time next week. Brings back many memories and my email address rkercull@gmail.com is preferred.
There were two Lt. Popes at Team 75 and I knew both. But, I don’t remember first names so I am not sure which one you are asking about. One incident I remember is that one Lt. Pope was killed. The other one was scheduled for R&R. But, the Army, true to form, got the two mixed up and cancelled the scheduled R&R for the one Lt. Pope who was very much alive. This was straight out of Catch 22 where one of Yossarian’s fellow crew members was mistakenly listed by the Army as KIA. So, when he was eligible to rotate back to the States, the Army wouldn’t let him because, as everyone knows, dead people aren’t eligible for rotation.
I am trying to find information on First Lieutenant Robert Dale Pope. He was with team 75 from Aug 1967- March 1968. Does anyone have any stories, pictures, information, etc?
Thanks
This is for anyone that was in My Tho during TET.
I am trying to find our how and where President Thieu was evacuated back to Saigon. I know he was flown out, but who flew him out (Army/Navy/Air Force/ARVN) and where in the city was the LZ.
Flew out in a Huey ,the LZ was the soccer field there in town. Richard Pitman and myself had security at the wall facing the hospital.Anyone remember Capt. Larry Cole from Texas? He was wounded and flew out to Japan.
Hi Jon:
I was with RivDiv 533 from 9/66-7/68 and was in My Tho that week. It wasn’t until about six years later when I read a book titled Tet by Don Oberdorfer that I found out that Thieu was in My Tho with his daughter! I checked with some of my 533 buddies and officers and none of them knew!
As I recall, the LZ was just west of town, but during that week, the soccer field in town was used for medevacs.
In 2008 I started an e-mail to my 533 buddies as memories came back to me and it ended up being at 4-5 page document! If you’d like, I’ll send you a copy.
Ken
I had a brother that was in the ADV TEAM 75. His tour stated on 11/28/1964 and KIA 6/29/1965. He was Capt. Rubin F. Bradley. I am curious if any one served with him or remembers him. my email is: ncbradley@bellsouth.net If you would like to contact me. Thanks
Neal Bradley
Jackson, Al
Good Compound was named for Cpt. Kenneth N. Good. Whom was KIA on 2 January 1963 in Dinh Tuong Province. He was a senior advisor with 2nd Bn,11th Regt….. 7th Div. He was a silver star and purple heart recipient.
would you (James) email me at 198bgde@comcast.net? thanks
I left Vietnam in August 1963 and I don’t know about any place named for Capt. Good. I had known Capt. Good slightly, but not very well. I knew Lt. Streeter well since we were in the MATA 4 class (Advisor Training) together at Ft. Bragg and at Monterey. At the time of Ap Bac, I had relocated to Ben Tre but still maintained contact with the people at the Seminary.
The battle of Ap Bac, where Captain Good died is discussed at length in a book titled “A Bright Shining Lie.” The book is available from Amazon. The book is mostly about Col John Paul Vann who was the head of Team 75 at the time, i.e., 1963. Capt. Good was killed at Ap Bac and Lt. Streeter was injured. Both are discussed in the book.
Sheehan’s book has a discussion about the Battle of Ap Bac. If you go there today there is a large metal billboard along Highway 4 depicting the battle. Another less known book you will find interesting is the late David Halberstam’s fictional book “A Very Hot Day” which portrays the situation in My Tho and Dinh Tuong Province and the Battle of Ap Bac using fictionalized place names and pseudonyms for US advisors (and author’s license too). The book is available on Amazon.com.
John Haseman
read it years ago, i’ll dig it up. do we know this is the same cpt good(e) for whom the dong tam compound is named after?
Trying to locate anyone that was in My Tho during TET. I was there with the Navy serving on River Patrol Boats.
I was not in My Tho during TET but I did fly over it in a Huey which got shot up pretty bad. We were pretty luck as we were able to make it to Dong Tam which was a few miles from My Tho. Our chopper took over 40 hits. The left door gunner was the only one hit, I can still see the tracers flying by me inside the chopper. I still can’t believe I survived that deal. Our chopper had all the fuel cells hit. Very lucky we were able to land.
Were you one of the two Huey gunships that dove on the bus station? I’ll never forget that. All the mini guns were pouring led down and when the bus station fired back, it looked like more red was going up than down. I think all of our hearts stopped as we watched from the Seminary down the road. It seemed like two weeks went by before we heard they made it back.
Went for a couple of rides with you guys. Was stationed at the seminary,but we moved to a private residence in town. We were out on patrol in My Tho when Tet started and wound up holding up at the advisor compound in town. Was a hell of a couple of days.
I was duty driver for the Seminary the night of TET. The pass truck was so overloaded it felt like the Queen Mary as she rolled back and forth on it’s overloaded springs. I still remember guys on the roof looking in the windshield. What a night.
anything you can find re cpt goode and the compound itself would be useful. I’m compiling a database of locales in se asia and an acquaintance has published a book on persons for whom installations were named. cpt. goode belongs In there I would think. thanks very much.
I’am trying to fine anyone who remember me. I was assigned MACV Team 75 at the Seminary at My Tho in Jan 1970 to about June 15, 1970. In about May that year I was sent to 9th ID HQ as a RTO. I was also with a CTP Kitchens. At this time I was a SP4. At this time the VA and the Army can not fine any records of me. Assistance is needed if possible.
I was TDY in late 71 and early 72 at tm 75 housed at Dong Tam Goode compound.
do you have any information on the Goode compound? I can’t find anything about it. particularly location and for whom named. thanks.
I may have some trivia in old records.The compound was named for Cpt. Goode.It was in the shadows of the old 9th Div. and on the opposite side of the facility from the Navy Team.
I found some old letters last night of my uncle’s and it had team 75 in the address. Does anyone know Sgt. Hugh Willard? I don’t think he was with this team very long when he got orders to team 91.
I was DSA in Cho Gao District in 1966 as a Team 75 member when Col. Sid Berry was 7th ARVN Senior Advisor. LTC. Louis Martin was my boss as PSA, Dinh Tuong. I came back after TET ’68 (June ’68 to June ’69) as DSA Long Dinh District (later renamed Sam Giang District) just west of Dong Tam Base. I’m writing a book of those two years with help from Cpt. Enrique Pujals, 1st Lt. Jim Jeter, Sp. 4 Dick Bond, Cpt. Lynne Michael Patten, SSG. Hollis Hibbitts, and Major Jim Gilbertson. Anybody remember any of us–would like to hear from you. Team 75 was changed to Team 66 sometime after 1966 for the Province advisors in Dinh Tuong.
George P. Bonville: I was a young SP4 and was assigned as COL Berry’s clerk/driver. I was in 7th ARVN Div Hq’s from Aug ’65 thru Aug’66. He became my mentor for many years and last saw him on the day that he was inducted into the Infantry HOF at Ft Benning. While in My Tho, I did RTO assignments with 7th Recon on the G-2 team and was later assigned as RTO/Lt Wpns Adv to one of the Infantry Bn’s. In ’67-’68, I did a tour in I Corps, with my final tour being in ’70-’71 as a Birddog pilot with Shotgun (221st Avn) as the airfield cmdr/pilot assigned in Moc Hoa. If convenient, would like to converse with you about our mutual time in the 7th Div Advisory Group.
I was a member of Team 75 from August 1964 until August 1965 and when not on operations we stayed in Ben Tre near the helicopter pad on the north side of town,,,,,,
It was an eye opener when I retuned for my second tour in 1968-1969 near Can Toe with Special Forces. I look on my life in Viet Nam as one of the greatest things that ever happen to me…….it was a different war the second time around,,,,hell they even had tanks when I came back,,,,,,CPT JACKIE COOK 9916 BUFFALO LAKE LANE, AUSTIN, TX 78747
Did you ever go to My AN or My Da?
Chuck:
I’ve been trying to find you. Yes, I remember. And I have photos of our trip out on the river to what I referred to as VC Island. I recently tracked down one of the two–she is married to a doctor. She was visiting a daughter who was living in Denver last summer when we met over a beer.
I located Peter Wetherell who lives in Woodstock, Connecticut. But I have yet to find Michael Hanks–remember him?
Here is my contact information:
John F. Head, Esq.
Head & Associates, P.C.
4155 East Jewell Avenue, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80222
Voice: 303-623-6000
Mobile: 303-748-0274
Fax: 303-623-4211
Send me your contact information.
Best regards and Happy New Year.
Don’t recall Hanks, getting old. Would love to contact Pete Wetherell. I will call you. I have some pictures from VC Island with you and Sandy, the other doughnut doll. I think she was from Oklahoma. I have pictures of the Coconut Priest on that Island. I will call you tomorrow. My contact is Merrill Lynch, 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2000, Raleigh, NC 27601, 919-829-2012.
I would like to ask a question for those that will admit that they were in My Tho on 30/31 Jan1968.
Why were the USAID nurses left alone living and working at the provincial hospital?
When we came through on the morning of 31 January there was just a single soldier, wounded with them. not a soul for team 66 or 75.
try to explain that one
I would like to add an unsolicited comment and recommendation about Richard’s earlier book, Prodigals: A Vietnam Story. The book was based on his two tours, the first of which was an assignment to team 75. Richard was an adviser from August 67 — Aug 68 with the 2/11 ARVN Battalion. I followed Richard to Team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970 and was initially assigned as an adviser to the 2/11 as they were rebuilding and retraining following a disastrous engagement during early November in 1969 (just prior to my arrival) I was later reassigned as an adviser to the Division Reconnaissance Company.
I would describe the book was a soldier’s story written by a soldier who had been there. I found that we shared many of the same thoughts and feelings just as we shared the same AO and assignment on Team 75. Richard describes the 7th Division’s area of operations and notable landmarks in some detail as he recalls his operations. I was able to remember and picture many of the locations he described because I walked through them also. I returned to Vietnam earlier this year after 45 years and wish I had found Richard’s book prior to the trip.
I think you will find the book a good read that will bring back memories of your tour.
Bob Lee
My latest book, Almost Eden, is set in the Vietnam Delta, and is now available on Amazon.
Almost Eden is a love story wrapped in a war. Izzy, the guerrilla girl born of a jungle war in Luzon during World War II, defies her parents’ wishes and flies to Vietnam as a Red Cross volunteer. Along the way she meets Abe, a soldier, and falls in love. Their devotion is tested by the most difficult of life’s challenges but they find inspiration from the family’s patron spirit of enduring affection.
Almost Eden (Vietnam) traces the family saga begun in Eden Lost (Philippine-American War) and continued in Return to Eden (World War II).
Taylor, influenced by the war in Vietnam, is stirred to share deeply inspiring accounts in fiction, many derived from experience and his seminal work Prodigals: A Vietnam Story.
Hi Richard,
I read and thoroughly enjoyed your book “Prodigals: A Vietnam Story’. I was a Swamp Fox pilot flying out of Binh Duc, My Tho, from November through July, 1968. In you book, you describe an incident involving a Swamp Fox pilot. It may have been me. In fact, I may have spoken to you a couple of weeks afterwards for a non-official after-action incident report, as I remember speaking with a Lieutenant, probably at the Seminary.
Thank you in advance,
Richard Burns
Swamp Fox 17
jet_capt@yahoo.com
I was with the1st Sig Brig. assigned to the Seminary in June 69. I’m looking for any photos taken by Gi’s of the exterior or interior of the Seminary (any year). I have seen the flickr photos and they knock me down! It was just the way I remembered it. Anyone with photos can contact me at davidlutton@hotmail.com
Welcome home ya’ll.
I am currently visiting My Tho with my wife. I was stationed at the Seminary from January-August 1970 with the Team75 MP Detachment from the 188th MP Company. Photos I took of the Seminary are on the Classmates.com website under Camden High School, San Jose, Calif., Class of 1964 under my name, under “photos” labeled ‘My Tho’,
Robert E. Conner, CPT, MPC
I was with the adv.tm 75 attached to the 188th Mp co. In dong tam from mid 69 to mid NOV. 1969. There were 6 of us from the 300th Mp. Co. 92 Battalion. Yours is the 1st mention of this unit I have seen. Trying to get more info.
If you would could you visit the provincial hospital across the blvd from the old 7th Arvn hq and take a few pic’s.
I am the dumb squid that defended the USAID Nurses at the opening of TET and just wondering how the place looks now
Jon
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Did they rebuild the signal barracks after the fire there? I must have been pretty short when that happened. Rounds were popping off as I had to go by it to get the money out of the mess assoc safe in case it went up too.
Yes they rebuilt the barracks. We did sleep in the bar until it was done. Sp5 armstrong Jan 69 to Jan 70. Signal Corp. served with Dennis peco and lt Halley.
OMG, George, I am sitting here looking at the small paper you gave me with your then home phone, which I tried but of course was no good.
I tried to locate you but was never able to until now. How good to see you on here. I hope you remember me. My name is Joe Abarno from NY back then. I now live in VA.
My email address is: area51jma@aol.com and my home phone is: 703-754-6314
Please contact me….
Joe
Master Sergeant, aloha
I was with the 3-10-7 in Ben Tre from July 67 through July 68 and Major Shipman, Captain Haywood and a Lt. Smith were my bosses. Do you recall a Tom Canada, Walter Roedel, Bill Vines or a Macey?
That was a very long time ago. Thanks for your reply
Tommy Canada worked with me. I was an assistant Battalion Advisor under Captain Fred Groat. Chuck Re Corr ist lt then.
My dad was there Jan. 67 DEROS Jun 67 am confused how he was placed there. Went over to Vietnam June 66 with 173rd Airborne. SGM Ronald Veasey WAS HIS name.
Before my time – sorry
?
________________________________
I was assigned to Advisory Team 75 from November 1965 to January 1968.I served with the 11th Regiment of the Vietnam 7th Infantry Division as a Infantry weapons advisor. I am Master Sergeant George W. Alton. Would like to hear from any one who was there during that time.
Hello George
First you are going to have to forgive me, I am a sailor. I was attached to a river patrol section in My Tho, PBR’s.
I am also trying to find folk that were in the city during the first three or four days of TET. First off to thank them, secondly help in gathering some information.
Jon
I was in Ben Tre during Tet.
Master Sergeant, I was stationed in Ben Tre with the 3-10 7th ARVN Division from Mar 67 through July 68. Major Shipman was the senior advisor for the 10th regiment and Captain Haywood was my 6 for the 3rd battalion.
I was the Intel Sgt on Team 93 in Ben Tre 66-67 leaving August. I carried a radio a couple of times on ops with the 10th Regt when 41st Ranger Bn or 856 RF Company were part of it. I believe you called yourselves Delta Mud something or other.
The only one I remember was LTC Schowalter, he was with me the first night of TET at the hospital for a short period of time that night. I am well aware of what happened to him the next day, I was there.
Msgt. Alton I am Capt. Chester Stengrim’s oldest son and have been looking for info of an incident for 30 Sept 65 in Dinh Tuong Province. Do any of these names ring a bell. Capt. Jimmy Williams, Lt.’s Stevens and Baldwin. Sgt.’s Horton and Berry? Other than a citation for MG.(Capt) Robert F. Mollinelli I can find no after action reports for this incident. Any help from those who served with the 7th ARVN advisors from 65-66 would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your service.
I was assigned to the seminary Aug 66 thru aug 67. Have pictures which I can place on a CD and mail them. By the way my secondary email address is advisoryteam75@gmail.com. For years I have used all the various sector subsector names for my emails not to mention vinhlong1966, thanhphu1966, and myphouctay,etc. The one that always wakes people up is victorcharlie2@gmail.com. I think my old address apbac1966 is obsolete but the others I still occasionally use
MSG Alton: Do you remember SFC Pat Neeley? Or me, I was a young SP4 assigned at COL Berry’s clerk/driver? I was with Adv Tm 75 from Aug ’65 thru Aug’66.
send me your e mail address and I will send list of advisors june 1967
Hello George, i am trying to find information, on John F, Lee KIA July 6 1966, i have some photos he took, would you happen to have any information, or know someone who would?
Thanks Much,
Dan
George: I was assigned to Tm 75 from Aug ’65 thru Aug ’66. Served with SFC Pat Neely in Bn Adv Tm and MSG “Nick” Nicilosi in G2. You can contact me thru email at MajTom01@live.com.
My dad was killed in June 1966
SFC William C Fraley
I was an Air Force advisor with Team 75 at My Tho from Aug 64-Oct 64. Maj Austin (same name) Capt Redmon, A2C Seal, Daily runs between Tan Hiep in order to get combat pay. Excursions to the field other times. Ran daily radio checks between the TOC and Saigon. I was a radio operator.
Was at TanHiep in 1963 and provided Weather Support at the airstrip for a month. I was AF also. Stayed at the Army Compound with the saying over the entrance gate > “Thru these gates pass the best damn Advisers in Vietnam” ! A Major gave me a ride up to Ton son Nhut to get paid. It was a ride up “Shotgun Alley” ! Pedal to the metal in his Jeep with a BAR between my legs and his .45 strapped to his side. Went into MyTho a few times ! Meat/fish market was interesting!
Oh Ya, such memories. I recall driving like hell down the main road from Saigon to My Tho with my M16 on the dashboard and my new guy(s) huddling in the pickup, scared as hell and looking to me for some courage. I kept a straight face but underneath I was also a little concerned. Those were the days of the “Wild West”. I bought a Walther P-38 pistol from a cab driver in Saigon for $60. I loved that pistol and bought another one a few years ago and paid $600 for it. Cocked hats, cocky guys, most of us proud to be there.
I was not being sarcastic, DOD just reenforced my belief in job security
I was stationed with the 3-7-10 out of Ben Tre during 67-68; I’m planning a trip there late September. Has anyone been there lately?
Thanks
Chuck
I just returned to. Vietnam after 45 years.See my August 4 post below
Chuck, I was on Adv Tm 88 from June 1971 through Feb 73, DDSA in Ham Long, DDSA in Mo Cay, DSA in Ham Long during the ’72 offensive. I’ve been back several times since 1996, most recently in 2012. You will find My Tho and Kien Hoa (now it’s Ben Tre Province) it hugely changed — bridge from My Tho, bridge from main island to Mo Cay. Ben Tre thriving and much bigger, Mo Cay ditto, smaller villages doing well. You will have difficulty finding Adv Tm houses in Ben Tre and districts — the former Province compound is about to be a high rise (maybe already is) and the district team houses were all destroyed after 1975. No hassle, easy to arrange car/driver/guide in Saigon. Have a great trip. John Haseman
There’s no place like home!
Pody — can you put MACV 127-R is in context and tell us how the term was used? I looked up team 127 to see there was a post using that term but no one has posted to that site.
All I know it is some type of personal action form. you know the pile of paper that is needed by someone we don’t know for reasons we don’t know to collect data no one needs
Does anyone know what a MACV 127-R is?
I have done a websearch but can’t find the answer
Pody
Good luck with trying to find out about MACV 127-R.
On Friday, August 22, 2014 I sent the following message to the National Personnel Record Center:
I am trying to determine if MACV 127-R is a form related to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam and what information is contained on the form. I have searched DOD websites and Department of the Army websites and did not find any reference to it. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
==========================================================
On August 25 I received the following response from the National Personnel Record Center:
Thank you for contacting the National Personnel Records Center. The Privacy Act requires a written release authorization before we can provide copies of the requested document(s). We need complete information to identify and locate the service record: complete name of veteran, branch and approximate dates of service, social security number and service number if one was issued, date and place of birth. We need a signature from the veteran, if deceased, next of kin, date, and include your mailing address. Requester must provide proof of death, such as a copy of a death certificate, letter from funeral home or obituary.
The following is considered as Next of Kin: un-remarried spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son and daughter. Individuals not listed may request information releasable under the Freedom Of Information Act. *** For security purposes, we will not accept request via email ***
You may also submit a Standard Form 180 for this request. You can also download a copy of the Standard Form 180 from our web site, http://www.nara.gov/regional/mprsf180.html.
=============================================================
Makes you realize how little things have changed!
Actually this does not make any sense. from what I remember (senior moments allowed) this was a fill in the blanks form…..daaaa
it is not important, i just ran across it referenced and could not figue out what it was for. For all I know it was to report a case of the clap.
Pody
I agree the response made no sense at all, did not address the question I asked and provided a lot of nonsense by quoting a government regulation that had nothing to do with the question. Just thought you would be interested in the reply
Jon
I have uploaded my 1969 photographs that include a basketball game at the orphanage to the following link:
if you copy and paste the link in your browser it should take you to the photographs in Flickr. The pictures of the orphanage are approximately three quarters through the photographs. The last photographs are the photographs I took in My Tho several months ago.
Unfortunately most of my photographs are in the field or Dong Tam where we spent most of our time. I hope these help.
Bob
Hi Bob. this is John Radlein. I believe I played in that game; I was on Team 75 from 1/69 until 7/70 in three different positions. The game I recall was fun and unique, but, not competitive. We also played against Wesley Unseld and John McGoughlin at the Seminary. Those are two of my favorite personal basketball stories, as well as playing at Sing Sing Prison and in Cameron Indoor Stadeum.
yes, and I think I remember the short blonde from the USO show from the MRF.
I am going to need some time to go over them in detail, and again thank you
does anyone know or remember what USAID facilities were in My Tho just befoe TET? i am doing so reseaarch and can’t find any information about USAID in the city at that time.
Great…..thank you
Chuck,
I have some pictures taken in Ben Tre on Feb 5, 2009. The bridge from My Tho to Ben Tre Province had just opened and my wife and I were on a Cambodia to Vietnam river cruise through Elderhostel (now Roads Scholar). We tried to find the house where our advisory team officers stayed, but ran out of time before we could find it. Ben Tre has grown very much since 1962/63 when I was there. My Ben Tre pictures start with the road over the new bridge and ending with a visit to the tourist office in Ben Tre. We had breakfast at a Pho restaurant in Ben Tre. We found the lake which now has buildings all around it. The market has grown greatly.
I apparently can’t download pictures on this site and I don’t subscribe to any social media. However, let me know if you are interested, give me any suggestions you have as to how to send them and I will figure out a way.
what i would really like to know does anyone have any good pictures for My Tho from 1967 1968 especially the area around the church/school/orphanage and the main hospital
Joh
I have a few pictures at the orphanage from 69 and 70 at a basketball game with the students. I will try to upload them tomorrow. I recently had most of my slides transferred to a DVD and spent a couple of hours today trying to sort them out. If I get them loaded tomorrow I will send you a link.
any pictures of (current) Ben Tre?
Don’t feel alone. I spoke with some folk that were there with me in 68 and went back last year. the cops had a fit when they tried to take pictures of the old Victory hotel and Carter Billet.
Bob Lee
I too visited My Tho in March’14. My wife and I hired a car with an English speaking guide and drove down to My Tho from Saigon. I flat refuse to use Saigon’s new name. To me, Saigon will always be Saigon. At any rate when we finally located the Seminary which now is in the city limits, we presented ourselves at the front gate seeking permission to enter the compound which is now a police station. The guard seemed willing to let us in but quickly changed his mind when a female police officer obviously with rank presented herself and made it quite clear that we were not welcome nor was my camera. You know, a cop is a cop and I learned a long time ago not to argue with them and promptly retreated back to our car and de-de-mahed (sp.) the hell out of there. Maybe next trip, if I’m so lucky, I can get some decent pictures.
Didn’t want too. they used it for a range stake.
Amazing! I wouldn’t have found The Seminary without direction. I do recognize the tower in the background in 2 of the pictures taken from inside the walls. While there, I always wondered why the VC never tried to blow it down.
I just returned to Vietnam after 45 years. My wife and I booked a two week tour with Viking River cruise. I was assigned to the division recon company, team 75, from 1969 through November 1970.
It took a little time to find the seminary because it had changed so much. Once we saw the roof of the two-story building protruding above the concrete wall there was no doubt we had found it. The area around the seminary is completely built up now with shops. There is a three or four story department store adjacent to the outer wall. There has been a lot of development and change in My Tho however when we went out to the countryside to the rice patties, coconut groves and small settlements, life seemed to be much as it was 45 years ago. Most of the houses in the rice patties still had the thatched or tin roof but they now had a satellite TV antenna. I found the people to be curious and friendly and seemed to have moved past the war much quicker than we did.
The Vietnamese have built a four lane interstate type Highway between Saigon in My Tho. The highway bypasses Tan An and other villages along the way The drive was about 45 minutes as compared to, as I remember, more than an hour and a half.
I have posted recent photographs of the seminary and My Tho at:
Bob, checked out you old pictures from My Tho and vicinity. Just like going home again. Thanks. Dick
I was @ The Seminary from Aug 67 to Aug 68. I cannot fond your pics of The Seminary, please help.
Thank You, Mike Lorfing
Mike
Send me your email and I will send you a direct link to the pictures. My email address is rlee343@comcast.net
Bob
Just stumbled on this site. I was on Team 75 from Aug 67 — Aug 68. With the 2/11 ARVN battalion at Binh Duc Training Center until sometime after Tet and was then in G3 and lived in the Seminary. My book “Prodigals: A Vietnam Story” recounts that period as well as my second year with the 1st Cavalry. There is mention of the Seminary on the night of Tet and also some information on USAID nurses. Don’t know if it is the ones someone was looking for information on. We were having dinner at their quarters on the night of one mortar attack. My book is available from Casemate or Amazon for anyone interested. It was a featured selection of the Military Book Club a number of years ago.
Nice to find people trying to connect from Team 75 and the Seminary.
Richard Taylor (Lt and Capt then.)
Richard
I am the one looking for the nurses. I was with them on the first night of TET into the following morning. It is important to me to know how they made out. please contact me.
Jon, I honestly don’t know how they made out during or after Tet. My battalion was heavily engaged during and for months after Tet. I seem to believe they were okay but do not have evidence to support that. Sorry.
Richard
I know they made it out of country, I was hoping to find out how they fared, after TET. I was reassigned out of My Tho and when I got back they were gone.
Richard
Just read the excerpt from your book on Amazon. You got me with the teaser so I ordered it. Unfortunately, I don’t think my flight to Vietnam was as eventful the flight attendants were nice, but none of them held my hand..
Bob, thank you for the detailed email. Brings back lots of memories.
Hi Richard: We overlapped by three months in Dinh Tuong when I became DSA in Long Dinh District in June 1968. Just finished your book which is well done. Read of your forays into Nhi Binh Village (the double Y area as you call it). I was in there often in 1966 and 68-69 as I was also Cho Gao District DSA in 1966. Just finished my book of the two years as a memoir of those two years, my early years as a kid, and the aftermath. Retired in 1983 as an 0-5 aster turning down Defense Attache’ position in Seoul. Wrote the book for my family and the men I served with in both tours I could find–they helped me write it and added many comments on my leadership–enlightening to say the least–but humorous too.
I was the District Senior Advisor in Cho Gao District (then an 0-3) in 1966 (Team 75 then) with Col. Sid Berry as 7th ARVN Senior Advisor, and then District Senior Advisor in Long Dinh District (Vinh Kim located there and later named Sam Giang District) June 1968 to June 1969. A number of my brave E.M. and young officers from both My Tho tours assisted me in writing a memoir of those two years for my family and their progeny. It contrasts Dinh Tuong Province (My Tho area) before Tet ’68 and after, speaks of some of the real Army/ Navy heroes we knew, acknowledges the many competent RF/PF leaders we served in combat with, lays out the many successes and troubles we had coordinating the activities of the U.S. Ninth Infantry Division Units and other allied forces in the Rocket Belt surrounding Dong Tam Base and our heavily populated villages like Vinh Kim. None of us thought it would become a popular narrative with its many reflections on personal family life, the foibles of a small, mixed-rank team sharing close quarters in a tense war situation, and the narration of our activities vis-a’-vis the strategic war in Saigon and Washington. We are surprised to see that the book, “You Ain’t Nothing But A SWAMP RAT” is now the Book of the Month and best-seller at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum near Ft. Bragg, N.C. All proceeds go to the museum which really needs the income as government funding of the museum is facing cuts. All of us need to write down our memories about the advisor role and the fine men who manned these teams or it will be lost to history and nothing but the scant “official archives” will be left. SWAMP RAT is a long read of 680 pages and fifty photos–you do not need to overdue it with yours. This MACV Teams website is terrific as a start!
I was with the 3/10 7th ARVN about 5 clicks outside of Ben Tre when Tet started; they fought their way back and re-secured the town…never more proud of a group of guys
visited your website, on contact information. I am an unpublished author in addition to my above question.
Glad I found this group. Was just goggling on the Seminary and it popped up. What are you writing about?
well after 30 years of haze grey and underway, I figured I had a few sea stories. actually, it is a novel about a “could happen”
this is not the right forum for details.
if you want email me at pody [at} roadrunner.com
Bob Hamilton While at Seminary was informed Sec.Of Def. McNamara was to visit. Was instructed by Maj. McBride to set up panels at Soccer Field (Airport). Knew nothing of signal panels and no texts avail. to explain symbols. Grabbed 1/2 dozen panels and laid out on soccer field. One of the 3 choppers landed and Sec. Of Def. emerged and proceeded to Seminary. Upon his return to Soccer field a Full Col. accompanying him stopped and thanked me for great welcome. Have since laughed my a off. Luckily I got by on that one.
With Team 75 early 65 for 2 months. Advisor 7th ARVN Div. Ordnance Co. Sgt. Bradish was on Team also. Reported to Major McBride. Seminary had hot boxes to store gear owing to high humidity. Reassigned II CALC, Qui Nhon. 9th ARVN w/Advisors transfered to MyTho from Qui Nhon. II CALC in need of someone to run 2 Bars. Capt. Jackson; Advisor, gave approval for me; one who had never been either side of a bar. Team 27 had great food.
I arrived in the delta early September 1962 as an artillery advisor for Kien Hoa province (Ben Tre province). Since there were not enough quarters in Ben Tre, I was located at the seminary in My Tho (Team 75) for about two months until an additional house was rented in Ben Tre (Team 43–looks like the team number changed after I left in 1963). Col John Paul Vann led the advisory team at My Tho at that time. Major Scoles was at Ben Tre and he was followed by Major John Ames. ARVN had two 105 howitzers at Mo Cay and two at Giong Trom and a platoon of 4 deuce mortars, initially near Ba Tri then moved north and east of Ben Tre. After about 6 months the army changed my MOS to infantry advisor and I then worked as an assistant with the province Civil Guard and Self Defense Corps. On operations I would usually go with the artillery forward observer. I have completely lost touch with the advisory team members at My Tho and at Ben Tre. I did visit there briefly while on an Elderhostel tour about 4 years ago and everything had changed. I did find the lake in Ben Tre, the market was quite different, and I could not find the houses used by our advisory team. Time flys.
I was with the 3rd Battalion, 10 Regiment 7th ARVN in Ben Tre from May 67 – June 68. Major Shipman, Captain Haywood, LT Avery Smith, Tom Canada, Walt Roedel, Bill Vines were all there. Walt and Bill died from cancers……so it goes
Chuck Cohen: I don’t know you—but I was also and advisor to the 3rd Bn 10th ARVN Regiment in My Tho and Ben Tre from Nov ’65 to Mar ’66. After that I worked in the 7th ARVN Div TOC in My Tho. Do you know of anyone else who was in Adv, Team 75 during 1965 or 1966? Jim Nelander
Jim Nelander: I was on Tm 75 from Aug ’65-Aug ’66. Do I bring back any memories? Was a SP4 clerk/driver for COL Berry before being RTO to the 7th Recon Bn and a Lt Wpns Adv to an Inf Bn. Contact me, if you would like.
Major Shipman, Captain Haywood, Lt Smith. Sgt Canada, Sgt Roedel, Sgt Vines. Apr 67 through July 68. 3-10-7
Need any further info about my tho
Yes, I was part of the advisory team assigned to the G-2 section — I was the order of battle advisor. The fact of the matter is that the ARVN officers I was advising had forgotten more than I knew. I joined Team 75 on August 20, 1967 as a 2nd Lieutenant with a Order of Battle MOS and left as a 1st Lieutenant on January 16, 1969. I was discharged in Oakland on January 20, 1969.
I remember Marlow — he hated me and the feeling was mutual. He gave fat-assed majors a bad name. It is no surprise that he wanted Yossarian taken off the jeep as he resembled one or more of the characters in Catch 22 and it no doubt that jeep pissed him off every time he saw it.
The jeep in question was written off (I think the Army term is “journaled”) as it had been through a number of mortar attacks and was riddled with holes. Various types of people had stripped the jeep of virtually everything — battery, U-joints, seats, etc — and there was nothing left to it except the body, the motor, the transmission and the axles (sans U-joints). The compound commander — a captain whose name I cannot recall — told me in the Officers’ Club that he was going to journal the jeep. I asked for it and he gave it to me on the condition that I get it off the Seminary premises.
At about the same time, the ARVN company commander of the 7th Division ordnance company told me that the jeep could be towed to over to his shop, as he would be happy to help me rebuild it. So I did.
Contemporaneous with this, I had heard about an Army graveyard in Long Binh which stored military equipment that had been journaled. I borrowed the Team 75’s duece and a half to go see. Les Weisenhorn (then a Spec 4, later a U.S. Marshall in Denver) went with me. Among the equipment there were jeeps stacked up like cordwood. As I recall, there were three trips with the duece and a half to find parts from that stack of jeeps. It seems to me that you were part of at least one of those trips.
The jeep was then rebuilt using the parts so obtained. After it was put back into operating condition, it looked absolutely awful. But, it ran.
One day, I was driving around just west of the helipad in My Tho and came across a US unit plopped down in the middle of nowhere. I stopped to find out what they were all about. It was a Army reserve unit from San Antonio that had been activated. They were dumped there with no mission, no knowledge of fire support, no nothing. They didn’t even have concertina around the perimeter (they weren’t even sure where the perimeter was), no bunkers, no knowledge of radio frequencies to call for help and no knowledge of how or where to find supplies. So, I helped them by scrounging up sand bags, helping them lay out defensive positions, where to call for close air support, med evac,, etc. I even showed them where to find the PX and where to find the whorehouses downtown.
Sometime after I helped them to get organized and find needed supplies, the company commander inquired about the jeep that was so rusty and full of shrapnel holes. I gave him the story. He said that he was so appreciative that he would like to see what he could do as he had a number of body and fender guys from San Antonio. Some time later, the jeep had been restored. After the body work was done, it had been repainted with Army green and the name “Yossarian” stenciled on the windshield. It looked like a new jeep.
In January 1969, I was so happy to get out of Viet Nam, get out of the Army and get away from Marlow that leaving the jeep behind was not something I gave a second thought. But, now, I wish I had it.
I had a buddy named sandy Bradbury who was in the S-2 section of the team. I think he left in August 1967 so maybe you missed him. I was in Saigon with another of Sandy’s buddies named Bob Vickers. One weekend Bob drove down on a motorcycle to see sandy – they crapped out when Bob pulled up at the gate on a motorcycle. Next day they put together a small convoy to escort bob back to Saigon.
John, Chuck ReCorr here. Do you remember taking the two Doughnut dollies (red cross girls) from Don Tam to the Coconut Island?
Wasn’t Maj Devlan in G-2 then? He was my mortar officer before he went to Can Tho. Always did like that man, he really made us an efficient team.
John, I remember Marlow. Not having to report to him, I never formed an opinion of him. The Compound Commander was Cpt. Jerry Lazenby. He was a great guy. I wish I had pictures of the Team. I tried over the years to forget as much as possible, but the memories are deeply etched in my brain. Wish I knew you lived in Denver. I lived in Littleton from 1983 to 2000. My kids went to Columbine but had graduated already. I believe I can still remember your face unless you changed over the last 50 years. LOL
What I miss most about Denver is Federal Blvd. I called it the Ho Chi Minh trail because for blocks and blocks there are fantastic Viet restaurants and shopping. If anything, while in Nam, I learned to love Viet cuisine.
I’m sorry we didn’t connect up when you were in Denver. If I remember correctly, you were an artillery captain from New Jersey. Thanks for reminding me of Jerry Lazenby, I was trying to remember his name the other day. Laser Beam, we called him. He is the one who “gave” me the jeep that I rebuilt with “Yossarian” stenciled on the windshield. I went back in November 2016. You wouldn’t believe how Viet Nam has changed. The people haven’t changed but the country is quite vibrant with commercial activity. I used to joke that we won that war because there are now more communists in Boulder than there are in Saigon. I realize now that it’s not a joke. Downtown Saigon looks like Hong Kong did in the late sixties. The wealth of some Vietnamese is astounding. Coming back from a side excursion to My Tho on Highway 4 (which is now an elevated, divided highway), there were two flatbed trucks ahead of us in heavy traffic. One had a Lamborghini on it, the other had a McLaren. I had a tour through the U.S. ambassador’s house in Saigon, which was occupied by Lodge and, later, by Bunker. It is now owned by a Vietnamese who owns the travel company that provides guides and tours. He lives in Southern California but he is renovating the house for his father. The Vietnamese love Americans but, as they will point out, not Russians so much. I went back to the bar on top of the Rex Hotel for a gin and tonic. This time, no flies. Looking up, skyscrapers all around. Looking down, it looked like Rodeo Drive. As we used to say, a-fucking-mazing.
Does anyone know what happened to my jeep that I rebuilt? It had Yossarian painted below the windshield. I wish I had taken it with me when I rotated in January 1969.
No…but there were a few times I used that jeep for transport to the 7th ARVN TOC.
I don’t think many people understood the the significance of the name Yossarian. There was a Major Marlow though who actually ordered me to have the name Yossarian removed…never happened of course.
You were the first lieutenant attached to the G2 team correct?
Does anyone know my late uncle Sgt Hugh Willard?
I was assigned to Team 75 Sep 62 to Nov 62 when I was able to get lodgings in Ben Tre, Advisory Team 93. I was an Artillery 1st Lt, and worked for Capts. Williamson and Ryder.The head of Advisory Team 75 at that time was Lt. Col. John Paul Vann. I have pictures of Advisory Team 93 personnel circa 1963.
I was at TanHiep Army compound and provided Weather Support at the Tan Hiep airstrip for a month in 1963.Not sure of exact date but all there was at the strip was a tent surrounded by sandbags ! An Army Major took me up to Ton Son Nhut in a wild Jeep ride to get paid as I was USAF.(TDY) I also remember a sandbag bunker on top of the two story barracks. The sign at the entrance to the compound read “Thru these gates pass the best damn advisers in Vietnam” !
Thanks, I’ll give it a try
Scott Greene
I was with Advisory Team 75 from July 67 to 68. I was there during the Tet Offensive. While on a cruise in March 2014, my wife and I hired a car and driver to take us from Saigon down to My Tho and was amazed with all of the changes to include a four lane super highway for most of the trip. Had a devil of a time finding the Seminary. It was out of town in 67/68. Now the Seminary has been swallowed up by the city and is now a police station. It has changed a lot but still the same in many respects. I have to admit that I am not totally sure that what I thought was our Seminary may not have been, but I am about 90% sure.
I would love to see some before and after pic’s. the Armor House, Seminary, victory hotel, hospital, etc. any chance you have a few?
If you open “Google Driving Directions” and zero in on My Tho, you can trace Highway 4 that went N/W from My Tho to Saigon. Look @ where the canal comes in close to the road (Hwy 4) then look for where a stream joins the canal @ a bridge. Just beyond that about 300′-400′ is The Seminary on the right @ the canal. From overhead (no street view available) you can look @ the building configurations and everything fits. I am 99.9% sure. I hope you can make sense of this because I think it will really flip you out like it did me.
Good Luck-Mike
My father was on MACV Team 75 at My Tho 67-68. Bob Suckfiel is his name
I recall some his stories. As a kid one of our favorite stories was about a monkey named Charlie and Capt on a bunker lobbing grenades into the jungle after being mortared. Thank you all for service and welcome home!
I was with the Signal Detachment May 68 thru Feb 69. We lost SP4 Hounshel in Nov 68 when he was taking repair parts to the 7th ARVN TOC. SFC Montgomery was our NCOIC.
Yea, they blew it up the night before I was to leave but I didn’t hear a thing. Of course the Seagrams and Coke could have had a lot to do with it.
I remember being told about the bridge, I was a guest at the 17th Evac Hosp in Saigon, waiting my turn for the big bird to Evens AF Hospital in Colorado Springs.
Thats what happens when you don’t have enough 7&7.
I had just recently got back from leave to the Seminary when they blew that bridge in the morning. Slept through the whole thing. I remember our Cuban/American Capt. Perez being very upset with me still in my bunk. They blew that bridge right out of its foundation. Had been over it many times. Sorry I cant help you with the nurses, though I met one with the medics at the seminary once. Tm 75 Mar 67 thru May 69. Was mail clerk the first year and mess assoc bookkeeper the second.
The VC blew that bridge the night before I was supposed to convoy to Saigon (Aug of 68) and process out. Luckily, a Warrant Officer gave me a ride in a 2 seater (Loch I think) so I made it.
1969. just started to look.
was there 1969. Also Dong Tam.
Have you had any luck contacting other (1968-1969) team 75 members?
None yet
sit seems like My Tho almost didn’t exist.
No luck.
David, my husband was SFC Charles (Chuck) Jones. He went to TM 75 in Aug 1968, wounded May 19 and died May 22, 1969. He was at both Ben Tre & My Tho.
Yes and they opened up one night with 2-4 rounds and lifted me off the bunker floor. They hit right across the canal and I just knew I wasn’t gonna make it. Needed a 7&7 after that.
I WAS ON THE 2ND FLOOR ON GUARD DUTY WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE BUNKER GOT HIT FROM ACROSS THE RIVER FROM THAT GRASS SHACK -I HAD A 30 CAL BROWNING THERE AND OPENED FIRE WITH OUT CALLING IN –GAVE THAT GUN A WORK OUT UNTIL A CHOPPER DROPPED DOWN FROM OVER THE ROOF AND LET GO WITH 4 OR 5 ROCKETS AND SENT THOSE ACROSS THE RIVER TO HELL-THEN I GOT CALLED TO REPORT TO THE SWITCH BOARD–THAT BUNKER TOOK 2 OR 3 HIT IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY-I WAS WITH THE 52 SIGNAL BAT-I WAS REAL SHORT AT THAT TIME AND CHECKED OUT TO THE STATES SPENT SOME TIME IN GO CONG TOO –WENT AND SET THEIR SWITCH UP AND A MICRO WAVE UNIT –I LIKE GO CONG –I AM 72 NOW AND MY MIND DONT REMEMBER A LOT –I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE THE FOG LIFTS –I NOW LIVE IN NEVADA AND WORK AT NELLIS AFB AND ONCE AGAIN PUT MY TRAINING TO WORK IN COMMUNICATIONS–WAS THERE 5 YEARS AND THINK I WIRED ABOUT EVERY BUILDING THERE FOR NETWORKING –THAT WAS FROM 95 -2000 -I DONT DO MUCH ANY MORE BUT RIDE MY HARLEY AND BUILD AND REPAIR BIKES NICE HEARING FROM YOU –I AM OUT
SP4 David Westfall Team 75 G2 Analyst
10/1968 – 12-1969
Spent many a day/night at the 7th ARVN TOC
Claude Vigil, Les Wiesenhorn, Tom Drabick, William Cole, Any One else still around ?
David:
I went back to Denver. Contact info follows:
John F. Head, No. 3077
6333 South Poplar Court
Centennial, Colorado 80111
Telephone: 303-748-0274
email: jfhhead@headlawyers.com
One of the Donut Dollies who was stationed at Dong Tam — Pat Owen — just contacted me. She was in Denver last weekend and we had a beer.
All the best.
John
do you think that she may remember the American nurses (USAID) that were at the civilian hospital in My tho during TET?
Hi Dan! My name is Kristin. My uncle is Les Weisenhorn. If you want his contact info, please email me at KHowe9312@yahoo.com. I’ll pass along. He’d love to hear from you!I told him about this post and he was quite surprised!
I’m just going through messages. Did you know SFC Charles (Chuck) Jones? Went to My Tho/Ben Tre Aug 1968. Wounded May 19, 1969; died May 22, 1969.
been there, done that…….
No, never made it there. Ba Muy Ba (33 beer) and chicks prevented me.
Thank you for the reply. Did you ever get a chance to visit the USAID nurses quarters at the civilian hospital? there were four of them a tall blonde (curly hair), a tall brunett (short straight hair), and two shorter brunett.s. there was also a Nun that lived there.
That is where I met LTC Schowalter.
I was @ The Seminary which lies on the outskirts and N/W of My Tho.
Mike, I just saw this post by you. Hope you’ll see this and reply. I’m Curt Rindy. You and I worked in G2 as Intelligence Analysts. I think of you from time to time and wonder what you’re up to. You sang some damn good harmony too!
Hey Curt:
I’m stunned! I just got home from shopping (I’m retired) and thought of the ole Seminary, you and Sgt Funk so I started surfing and bang!
This hit me in the face. Man, it’s great to hear from you. We’re going to have to hook up on the net. Are you on Facebook?
What do ya know, you saw my post! No, I’m not on facebook. I’m not a big fan of technology, still have my flip phone! Lol. Email me some time at curtrenegade@verizon.net or call at 850-443-5442. Good to hear from you! Glad I discovered that MACV Team 75 site on line. Kind of fun to read some of that stuff about the Seminary and MyTho.
Was LTC Schowalter the PSA? Also were you in the city during the opening hours of TET? I am trying to find someone that remembers the events at the civilian hospital and if possible the american nurses there.
I was in My Tho @ The Seminary from Aug 1967-Aug 1968.
Mike Lorfing-Catonsville Md.
Mike
do you remember what happen to the team that got ambushed just north of the hospital. I know a recon team from the 148MP got involved
also Do you remember a LTC schowalter?
Jon
Looking for anyone that was in My Tho during the Tet Offensive.
Specifically anyone with information concerning what happened at the Provincal Hospital.
Also, trying to locate the USAID nurses that were there.
I was at Team 63 (Soc Trang) then but a good friend of mine, Mike lorfing was at My Tho then. I’ll see if I can get him to join and reply.
Thank you. I guess he was with either team 66 or 75 both in the My Tho area.
Walt, this is John Rowe. Did you go to VMI for one year?
I was assigned to Adv Team 75 My Tho from June 1965 to July 1966…Beaver 76 a Blue Suit FAC
Mr. Seebode we’re you there during the ambush incident on 29/30 Sept 65. My Father was Capt Chester Stengrim. Robert F. Molinelli was the rescue helo I’m looking for the rest of the story.
Name John Robert Schumann
From Wright County, Minnesota
Born February 2, 1932
Death June 16, 1965
War Vietnam War
Branch US Army
Rank Major
Group MACV, Headquarters
POW Status Reported Dead while Captured, Prisoner of War
MIA Status Declared Dead while Missing
Cause Died while captured by enemy, Body not recovered
Awarded
★ Prisoner of War Medal
★ Purple Heart
I was in My Tho old white french fort/bar to right when entered; mess hall to left I think…….memory fading, wondering if anyone remembered Major Schumann or me.
I was with 1/11 of the 7th ARVN Division Advisory Team 75 from August 70 to September 1971
you were in Dong Tam by then right? recall is “not so hot”.
Yes we were in Dong Tam then. Anyone remember Sgt Vargas, Sgt Soto or Major Lee
April ’65—-Dec ’65 32nd bdq w/Cpt Mcnamara,Sfc McDonald
Was with Tm 75 from May thru November 1969.
Sam; was there then as well. Trying to piece together a critical incident on the bridge right outside the seminary.
Lee Ahnlund from 15 nov 1969 to 9 jul 1970 Deputy Kenneth R E Senior William B D What Happen to Sp/4 Frank Guerrero the mail man? and my friend James M Ruzzo.
I remember Frank. I was assigned to Team 75 beginning in November, 1969. As I recall, they were returning from taking some women who worked at the Seminary home and lost their lives at a bridge from a vc attack. Frank was a good friend of Specialist Mizell, who was one of our Birddog crew chiefs. I was Swampfox17. I must have started at Team 75 about the same time as Cpt. Andy Kirchmayer, a field advisor with the team. He lost his life on a mission which I was covering from above but called away from on about Nov.19, 1969. I remember sitting in the bar the night before that with Andy. Gosh, it must have been one of his first missions, and it certainly would’ve been one of mine–Lots of memories.
Do you remember him well? He was my grandfather and I never got to meet him.
I mean Andy Kirchmayer
Sp/4 Lee Ahnlund was a member of the military assistance command,during the period 15 nov-9 jul 70. Army’s 7 infantry division of the Tien Giang Tactical zone with senior advisor Kenneth R and William B Tien-Giang zone
I was with Team 75 from May thru Nov. 1969 as Sr. Advisor, 7th ARVN Div., Division Recon Company.
My name is John Rosmus and I was assigned to Team 75 from Sep 69 to /jul 70. I first worked at the seminary with CPT Tom Price, LT Dallas Viall, SSG Pedro Castro, SP4 Tom Zvonik and PFC Harold West. Also with Doc Edwards. From March70 to Jul70 I was an RTO with 2/12 Bn where MAJ Drisko was CO. Do any of these names ring a bell with anyone. I remember being on the radio the night SFC Yoshino was killed.
John
Welcome home brother. I remember several of the names you mentioned. Him I served with team 75 from November 1969 through November 1970 about a week after SFC Kanji Yoshino, And Capt. Andrew Gregory Kirchmayer were killed. I replaced them for a couple of months on the 2/11th while they rebuilt until a more senior officer arrived. Capt. Patterson had one of the battalion advisor for one of the battalions in the 11th. Time has erased the names of the other Battalion advisors. Major Shipman was the Senior advisor. I was then transferred to the Division Recon company as the senior advisor. My RTO was Sgt. Brewer. William (Bill) Wellborn advised the 11th Recon, Jerry Whitten had the 12th and I believe a Lieut. Alan Klofkorn had the 10th for a brief time. I have recently spoken with Bill Wilburn who retired as a Lieut. Col. in the Army National Guard and Jerry Whitten who both seem to be doing well. I have tried to locate my RTO, Sgt. Brewer but have been unsuccessful. All I can remember was he was an 18 or 19-year-old kid from Kentucky. By any chance, do you remember him, know his first name or have any contact information for him.
No, I do not remember SGT Brewer. Thank you for your information. I will keep checking back here
Jim Parrish please call me 479-936-0102
send me your e mail address
to rick Hansen send me your email adress
ricknpolo33@yahoo,com My Tho jun 67 to jun 68 medic there
APRIL 67 TO APRIL 68 SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR AND PHONE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR 52 SIGNAL
My husband, SFC Charles (Chuck) Jones was injured May 19 & died May 22, 1969, but you probably weren’t there long enough to know him.