MACV Team 86 – Tan An.
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Hello everyone. I was just recently sent my some of my dads things as he was recently moved to assisted living. I don’t know much about his military history but I’m hoping someone can fill me in. His name is John Willis and he was a Sargent when he served. He was a part of Advisory Team 86 from July ‘67 to July ‘68. I be he was in the Emergency Room. I was wondering if this group could help.
Thanks!!
Hi
I was not part of team 86 but was a medic at the Tan Ann airfield in late 68 and all of 69. There was a lieutenant from my home town who was with team 86 but I did not have an opportunity to meet with him while I was there. He and I were from Carlinville Illinois and he was the son of a physician there. I wish I remembered his name but I don’t. Our company commander, Major Gary Turpin MD was from a small town (Greenfield) about 20 miles from Carlinville.
Love reading connections like yours Jim. Sand always high praise to any medics.
Sadly, so many of our fellow vets are not active on this message board…so thank you for sharing with us.
Dennis Antenucci, who was wounded medically evacuated from Bai Trai during Tet 68 when the compound was attacked.
Hello, Jim, I was with Team 86, 1967-1969. I instantly alerted to your post because of your name – I am Gordon Rives Carmichael; from Texas, but trace to the Rives of Virginia, Alabama, and back to Dorset, England. Ours is a rare and ancient name (originally Ryves; I have walked the Ryves/Rives lands in England). I just wanted to touch base with a fellow Rives. Gordon
Mr. Carmichael, were you also know as Captain C……..? Your name sounds familiar.
My memory bank recalls a person with a great laugh and sense of humor.
I was in Tan An from June 67 to January 69.
My rank was e-6… My name is Ray Wade.
Is it possibly you?
Ray, Indeed I was a captain when with Team 86, and your name also seems familiar. I lived at the main compound in Tan An City and accompanied numerous companies conducting heli-mobile assault Search-and-Destroy (AKA “Recon-In-Force”) missions all over Long An Province. I tried to maintain a good sense of humor as it beat curling in a corner whimpering. As for a ‘great laugh’ I guess I plead “nolo contendere”… I stayed with the army and, after retirement, returned to Texas and ended up teaching college English; however, nearly ten years ago I moved to Utah to help the last member of my family, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After she passed, I decided to stay in Sandy, Utah as there was no one back in Texas and the good skiing in Utah (which I have now had to give up due to pesky brain tumor problems). Excuse the blathering – it is just good to hear from you. Sadly, the members list of Team 86 is shrinking as we old coots move on to become Advisors in the Sky. Gordon
Hi Gordon
Sorry this reply is so late. I have been wrestling with a number of Vietnam related issues since retiring. I never expected that to happen but I could no longer block what I saw and experienced plus I have a whole set of medical problems that are related. I wanted to tell you I am also from the same Rives line. I am very interested in our blood line. My father, James Rives Sr. Was raised in Greenfield Illinois and is in the book. We go all the way back to Timothy Rives, now believed to be the first of our clan to venture to the colonies. I have also visited the town not far from London where several of our grandfathers lived.
I just read your message. I was a Lt commanding the Special Action Team in Tan Tru district march thru july 1969. Believe it or not, I am from Jacksonville, Illinois, very close to Greenfield and Carlinville, Illinois. Maybe we can do coffee some time.
rich webster
I have family with farms between greenfield and Jacksonville. Most of my Rives family settled in and around greenfield. Rives Lake is named after my grandfather who was Mayor of greenfield for many years. He had a restaurant/pool hall on the town square. Just before I left for Vietnam my father told me my grandparent family physician had been drafted and sent to Vietnam. I had never met him so simply told me dad what were the chances of that? One night in Vietnam after one of our physicians and I treat a number of wounded we sat down to wind down a bit and started talking about where we were from and so on. He told me our Company Commander, Dr. Gary Turpin was from Greenfield Illinois. Gary and I Became close after that as we had lots of story’s to tell about family members of mine he treated. Major Gary Turpin died a couple of years ago from a cancer that is on the Vietnam list. We were a small intermediate hospital located on the Tan An airfield. We took care of lots of minor sick and wounded. We also provided much life saving work to those who needed to move on to the large hospitals.we were assigned to the 3rd brigade of the 9th. We also patched up many captives so they would be fit for interrogation. I went over in September of 68 and came home 15 months later in December of 1969.
I live in Jacksonville-served in Long An in 1969-send me an email covanmi@mchsi.com
maybe we can get together-rich
Hey brother, my name is Dan Miller. I was there at Tan An late 68 till we pulled out in 69 .
Dear Dan, Jennifer, and the rest of you Veterans and family members,
I am getting ready to head back to Thailand for my annual winter vacation/R&R and just wanted to reach out to you all and wish you happy holidays. If you happen to be in Ko Sumai Island let me know thru macvteams or my email and we can have a drink and some great Thai food.
My Father Bob K. Roberts was part of advisory team 86. Does anyone remember him? I have photo of his time there.
Sorry but that name does not ring any bells. I was there July ’67 to July ’68.
Was Bob with advisory team 86 in Tan An Province,his name sounds very familiar.I was there in 1968-69,my name is Carl Johnson
Carl, we’re you with the team at Thu Thua. I was there July 68 to July 69. 1st Lt Richard Stone
I was at Tan An Province in 68-69 with MACV,
Mr Johnson
You had ask me about my my Dad Bob K Roberts
He was part of advisory team 86 in Tan An from 66 – 68.
Is there away I can send a photo of my dad to you.
Ellen Suzanne Roberts daughter of SFC Bob K Roberts USA
Forgive my intrusion. I was on team 86 well after your father but since this site doesn’t have photo capabilities you can try Vietnam – MACV on Facebook and post his picture there.
I was designated as the RTO on Advisory Team 86 at Thu Thua from August 1969 thru November 1970.
If Bob was there in 1969-70 than he slept next to me in the townhouse across from the governors mansion
Greetings Terry and others. I remember many of the great medical team connected with the Air Force… I bunked by the entry door on the first floor. Were you there during the Tet attack when we all huddled … Armed and ready for the possible encounter of being overrun?
May 2021 be a Blessed year for everyone…
Ray Wade from Missouri….
My name is Scott Seawel. I was assigned to 555 MILPHAP from 68 – 69. Met some good dudes there (Dr’s and techs). Good and bad memories. Would like to communicate with anyone who might remember me.
Happy Holidays Terry & the rest of you Vets Out there,
While I didn’t serve with you Terry I would enjoy sharing experiences and making a connection. This has been a PIA the last few months. Not complaining too loudly as lots to count blessings for but miss being able to fly or pursue other interests with buddies.
I was in Bai Tri with commo detachment from 67 to Tet 68 when I was wounded on 1st night of Tet.
I retired last year and have to admit to missing my career in construction. This year I went to Thailand for the Spring and stayed for the Spring. 😂 yea thank you Covid….if you are going to be stranded anywhere in the world you would be hard pressed to find a better place to be stranded. As the saying goes among expats
The airport may be closed but the bars are still open.
I have an old ‘72 Pantera which I have raced every year except for Covid and hoping things will open up again so I can travel and race.
Dennis Antenucci
Advisory Team 86
Correction on Thailand comment this year…
I went to Thailand for the winter and stayed for the Spring
My direct email is
TeamPantera@yahoo.com
Dennnit & Scott –
Well, one thing Team 86 still has going for it is staying power!
BK
Long An 1968-70
‘
I was a member of MACV ADV TM86 72/73. I was an RTO in OPS among other things as needs demanded. I have recently recreated the team patch for that time frame with the intention of giving them to my team members at that time. I have been in contact with two and as time passes the likelihood of making contact any more diminishes. But seeing how many still exist from a time before mine I have decided to make them available to all of you. I have a Facebook Page named MACV ADV TM86 where you can see a color version of the patch, yours for the asking. Msg me to set it up. Those of us that are left should have the honor of wearing it. We may have been there at different times but we were all TEAM 86!
I was with Team 86 in 1969. Lived at the end of the soccer field. Sure would like a patch.
Good to hear from other team members. I also would like a patch and let me know if I can contribute to your project.
I arrived in Tan An June 67.. .After AIT at Ft. Polk, LA…. Tiger Land. Tet 68 is very burned in my memory. I left in June 68 and returned for 6 more months. I also was an RTO along with other duties.
Now living in the Lake of the Ozarks of Missouri. Would enjoy hearing from anyone that spent time in Long An Province.
I started going back to Vietnam in 2007. After retirement I felt compleled to help the people that we so awafully hurt. Since then I have returned on humantran missions throughout the country. I respect anyone that doesn’t want to go back. I look at this way.
The conflict was government vs. government…
We the combatons, on both sides were just accepting our government’s plans…
‘Yes sir…. and pass the ammunition.’
I’ve been back 17 times. The latest February 2020 when the world started going Covid crazy.
Thanks for listening. Requesting God’s Blessings to continue for each of you with the remaining days before Eternity.
‘See you up yonder’
Ray Wade… Email.. ozarkray@yahoo.com
I have a Facebook page, MACV ADV TM86 that has pictures of my time there. There are pics showing the remnants of the old compound and the new compound which is across the street to the west. There is a picture of the last team patch there either way I will send you both color and OD. Msg me on that page or email me at higa.omo@hotmail.com with your mailing address and I will send them to you, no charge. Welcome home brother.
My name is Joe Barnes. I was on the Air Force FAC team in Tan An in 1968 and 1969. Pretty sure I was your bunk mate for part of that time. Let me know.
Ssg Jack Hutcheson assigned to Team 86 under Maj. Nowlin in Thu thua. The RADAR guys from the 1St Cav up in Bien Wah. Anyone still have the total team photo I took 3 days after Paris ceremony? Team 86 Sept 72 thru Feb 73.
Check Facebook page MACV ADV TM86 and see if anything looks familiar to you. I was a member of Team 86 in Tan An 72/73 an RTO in ops. In the photos, there is a nice color pic of 5 of us including 2 radar guys (Hutch & Brown).
Hey Ray Ortiz I was looking through some old photos of Vietnam and I found a photo of you, Scott May, Ed Couche, and Jim Smally. I think we were just walking around Tan An taking pictures. Man were we young!!!! I was going through some old letters and I found a few names of people that were there at the same time. It’s weird I don’t remember some but their names a familiar.
I was with Ray Ortiz,Jeff Upp,Dennis Denny,, at Tan An,Jeff was later killed in combat,68-69,my name is Carl Johnson
I’m trying to obtain information concerning an incident that occurred at the arvn compound in thu thua the nite of april 3/4. any info would be appreciated.
bo whitworth
forgot to add the year `968
What year? I was in thu thua October 72 to Feb 73, what information do you seek.
Oh yes. One thing I remember is playing against some of the locals and getting our butts kicked . Soccer was their game.
Hey, does anyone remember playing vollyball and football in front of the macv compound in tan an in 1969 and 1970? I have been reading old letters and we did a lot of that when I was there.
I remember a game we played at that exact location against the navy but I believe it was soccer or softball, a drunken day in the sun was the norm of the game. I can still see those drunken sailors with big beards. That would of been 1970 when I was with E Co. 75th 3rd brig 9th div. After that stint went Cho Tram as a weapons advisor until ets. Good memories.
Sorry, I left in July 1968. I do remember having Thanksgiving Dinner there in 1967
I was in Tan An 68-69 and remember the football and soccer games, I was with MACV TM 86, Carl Johnson
not sure how I got to this site I was a physician with MIPHAP 68-69 my window looked out onto that soccer field also used that field to evacuate those I could not take care of to Saigon(they always came back uncared for) I was a young kid mostly trying to block out what happened The experience of being a surgeon there was difficult I did go back in 2000 Did not recognize the town They have a new hospital the old hospital was a slum Met the family of Mr Ba the head nurse at the hospital(he had recently passed away) the stories were up lifting and sad Tragic part of our history
Stephen Haveson
I was part of the original MILPHAP team 555 that was in Tan An. I was medical admin but did many things including 3 day a week trips to Saigon for supplies and administration. I left a little early due to family issues. Our doctors were Kallen Green and Smith. The hospital was much worse when we first arrived. Mr. Ba was fantastic and did most everything before we arrived.
we were 3 physicians and 9 corp men The Lt Col was the administrator and pediatrician He was full time Air Force
It was strange and a long story but I hooked up with Mr Ba’s son Went to his home where there was a shrine for him, he had recently passed away(2000) He and most of the staff had gone to the Philippines, until recently their lives were in jeopardy for colluding with us. I had brought some pictures I had taken and they had some of me. Mr Ba was a hero and revered by the community It was a heart warming encounter for me but sad Steve Haveson
Would be great to have a reunion before all you old geezers head to Valhalla😂
I brought this last year and no one responded. Hope everyone is as sick of Covid lockdown as I am.
I am still racing a 72 Pantera and the race season is dead. I did go to Thailand for the winter and stayed for the Spring…yea got stranded but whobis gonna complain about being stranded in Thailand 🤪
Doing well otherwise. Try and remember to count my blessings every day. 🙏
Most of the time in Florida but when the virus calms down hopefully by early spring sound good to have a drink. The bar in Tan An was a great place to hang out
Sent from my iPhone
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Thinking out loud here… a drink sounds good.
One of my sons is in Jacksonville, another in Denver and two more in California. So I would support any location. Denver might be a good Central location for any team gathering next year. I’ll follow up later in the year when we hopefully see some data to support reopening the country or maybe even a vaccine.
Dennis in Oregon
Contact Sgt. Scott Harris
harrisscott36@yahoo.com
913-247-3993
Corpsman at Tan An Hospital
1632 S. Kenwood Str
Olathe,ks
66063
Scott harris, friend of Mr. Ba s harrisscott36@yahoo.com
My name is Rick Millenbach. I was a corpsman and was in Tan An with Dr. Haveson. I was there from Jan 1968 to Jan 1969 . I have a few pictures which include him. My recollection of him is that he was a good surgeon and a pretty easy going guy who had a sense of humor but understood good sarcasm.
I assume you are related in some fashion to Dr. Haveson. I’d be happy to contact him. I can be reached at my e mail address.
richardmillenbach@yahoo.com.
I live in Tennessee now and have grandchildren in Jupiter, Florida . Also, my son was in NYPD Homicide in Lower Manhattan. Hope all is well with all your family.
Hi Rick, Co Larry here good to hear your still kicking. Scott has mentioned you quite often.
ADV Team 86 at Tan An, Long An Prov. Hospital
Advisory team 555 MSF USAF
April ’67 to April ’68
Seem like I have forgotten more than I remembered? I do remember Mr. Ba but I heard he was in Australia?
Mr Ba did escape to Australia but returned to Vietnam before passing away in early 2000’s I do not remember exactly which year Not only was he a skilled surgeon but a kind and gentle soul
Contact Sgt. Scott Harris
harrisscott36@yahoo.com
913-247-3993
Corpsman at Tan An Hospital
1632 S. Kenwood Str
Olathe,ks
66063
the barbecues were great the food was good until the Navy moved in and we stopped buying on market and got the food from the Army(my memory could be faulty) I know our interpreters landed up in Texas but at the time so wrapped up in my life did not pursue the contact with them I have some photos of our group somewhere hiding in my closet
Well Well we must have been there at the same time My memory of people and issues grayed by time Hope you are well I am 3 years into retirement living in Florida
My name is Rick Millenbach. I was a corpsman in Tan An and worked with you a few times in the OR . I also have some photos. I’m sure you were in them. I’ll check it out.
Some of the other folks you may remember were Lt. Col or Major McClellan. He was career and a pediatrician. I think he lived in Florida but my guess is he’d be in his 90’s.
Dr. Ted Solomon lives in Georgia. I think he retired from Urology.
Scott Seawell was a corpsman at the same time you were there. He was a career guy and ended up golfing somewhere.
Gary Sutton retied career in the Phillipines
Donny Sykes was another career guy and retired in Greensboro, North Carolina. I’m not sure if he’s alive.
There a few other guys but there names escape me for the moment.
One of your interpreters was Bach Hong Tran. She lives in San Francisco area. She worked at Berkley (I think). Another interpreter was Mr. Linh Chau. He’s a judge down near Houston
Yes this was the group I do hope all have had a successful and good life My trip back to Tan An in 2000 brought back some good and not so good memories
Team Members,
Good to read Stephen, Richard and others comments. I was part of the commo detachment at Bai Trai on that first night of Tet in Feb ‘68.
Would love to hear from anyone else who was there that first night of Tet or who subsequently served. All 3 of my commo team mates were KIA that night. I was wounded and eventually reassigned to Team 99 in Duc Hoa which was as close to Club Med as you could find in an advisory team anywhere in Nam and believe it is where I Captain Carmichael.
I also returned to Nam and Bao Trai a few years ago…and will try and find some photos I took while visiting. Had a great dinner with two generations of locals who invited me into their home. We had a good time and it was a memorable visit. The family and I am sorry I forget their names had a successful plumbing supply business which had skirted the communist government after 1975 were doing well.
I retired at 70 a year ago and bought a epic home in the Harbor over looking the ocean in Brookings Oregon 7 miles from the California boarder. VFW very active here in the community placed flags across both sides of the Chetco River on Veterans Day leading into town. I swelled with pride seeing those flags just like I do anytime I think of my service. While I served with other advisory teams that first night of Tet ‘68 and the men who I served with and died they will never be forgotten.
Sent from my iPhone
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Rick,
This is Scott Seawel. Great seeing your name. Nam was quite a trip. Would love to contact some of the 555 again.
This is Stephen Haveson “Rick” first name that I {think} I remember Certainly McClellen More than 50 years ago, I have been back to Tan An it was not recognizable, That was 20 years ago and I am sure it has changed again I hope you all remember Mr Ba
My name is Scott Seawel. I was a medic with 555 MILPHAP from Nov 68 – Aug 69, I learned more about surgery then than I did the rest of my 20 year career.
Doc, I was stationed with you 68-69. Was not crazy about being in Nam but enjoyed the work we did. Will always remember pulling call, having a pt with a belly or head wound, and having to go out in the boonies to wait for the medevac. Memories, memories, memories.
days of the giants! Did not have the foggiest idea how it was going to work out, just out there doing what we thought was our duty, how things have changed
Dear Doctor Haveson.
I hope you can remember me.
My name is Linh Chau
I was your interpreter at Tan An hospital. MILPHAP TEAM 555
MACV #86.
so good to hear from you I hope all is well I am retired from medicine living in Florida. Where are you living? It would be good to communicate. My memory of the important events are foggy in my memory. I did return to Vietnam and Tan An about 20 years ago.
Dear Doctor Haveson:
I currently living in Palacios, Texas. Palacios is a small Texas Coastal town. My address: 1003 4th St, Palacios, TX 77465.
My cell # 361-404-0443. My Email: judgechau@yahoo.com.
I’m so happy to hear from you and knowing that you are doing fine.
Before Mom and my cousin passed. They told me to keep looking for you and other American Doctors ( for them all of the Milphap team members was their Doctors) to say “THANK YOU” for them because you all saved their lives.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to say Thanks to all of you. Milphap team done their duties by saved countless Vietnamese lives during the war and impacted my life in the positive way that I will treasures it for ever.
Thank you Doctor Haveson and best wishes to you
Linh Chau
I was in team 86 in 1969 and lived in the house at the end of the soccer field. There was a young boy who lived with his family next door to us. Do you remember him or know his name?
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Doctor Haveson: I don’t know what had happened to my first reply to you. But anyway, I’m doing fine and currently living in a small Texas town.
My address is: 1003 4th St. Palacios, Texas 77465; Email: judgechau@yahoo.com and my phone # 361-404-0443.
I’m So glad to hear from you and knowing that you are doing well. If you don’t mind, please, shoot me an email so I can say more in private instead of a public forum. Thank you and Best wishes to you and yours
I was at Bao Trai with commo detachment and my best memories is the BBQ steak.
To fast forward since my retirement I know many of you are back in the bunkers due to CV-19 so would love reading how you are doing.
Since retirement I have been enjoying life and racing an old 72 Pantera in the States and traveling and for last 2+ months I have been in Thailand. Where many of us expats are now stranded trying to get a commercial flight out back to States.
While the Thai government has went into lockdown here the Thai people are just as amazing now as they were in 1968 after Tet when I first came here.
If any of you have fond memories of R&R’s please share and what you can not share with the group you can send me a personal email at
Teampantera@yahoo.com
😂 LOL
Life is good my friends. Hope this makes you smile.
Ps I was wounded the first day/night of Tet with advisory team 86 and the sole commo team survivor. I was subsequently reassigned to Team 99 in Duc HOA. The rest of our commo team were either out on R&R that first night of Tet or were killed when I was wounded.
If I can help any family members please feel free to reach out to me here or my personal email.
I recall football during monsoon
I was with 86sig
I was at Tan An in 1968-69 and remember the volley ball,Carl Johnson
Yes, remember it well and fondly.i was with the signal unit attached to the Macv team. In fact the only injury that I had while in country resulted from a game with some of the local youth-playing soccer. They kicked our butts and I had a run i with some of the razor wire around parts of the field. I was Sgt e5. At the time. There were lots of good friends and memories.
You take care, and stay healthy.
I lived in 2 story bldg in front of soccer field, I was on 2nd floor by front, watch the football games during monsoon season. Heard about a broken bone here and there.
I also lived in that building in late 69 and early70 before shipped to DucHoa. Seems I spent most of my time up on The flat roof. Made good friends and memories. E-5 Rushton. Comcenter.
My dad Mike Nolan was with Advisory Team 86. Based on letters he was there at least in 1970.
Marguerite –
Did your dad go on later and get an MBA at Harvard? If so, I knew him quite well, but lost track of him in the 1980s.
RSVP
BK
Tony ‘ what an amazing surprise. This is Richard Farrand. What a long time. I would love to get together- right now I am in Zambia for the rest of this year but am free anytime in 2020. Where do you live? I live in NC at the coast between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. It would be super to get our whole team together. I left in 1971 so it has been 48 years!!!! My email is richard@farrand.us
Do get in touch with me.
Does anyone remember my father, Senior Chief Cecil Ford who was a Navy communication and psych op intelligence advisor in Advisory Team 86? He served as an Advisor from August 1966 to April or May 1967. He would go to Tan An and went to the memorial service for Army Captain Elledge who was killed by small arms fire in Tan An. He would also go out with River Assault Groups from Nha Be, especially the RAG group with Advisor Chief Gill. There were in SERE training together before they left for Vietnam.
Darlene: I’m looking for anyone who remembers Capt. Don. T. Elledge, of Texas, who was killed Aug. 18, 1966. I need info for a memoir I’m
writing for the family. So much time and so many family members have passed that papers, etc have been scattered or lost. I see that your father
did know Tommy. Please let me know if you can help me. Thanks, Gwynne Elledge, elledge8@earthlink.net.
I would like to hear from anyone who knew Capt. Don T. Elledge, from Texas, killed Aug. 18, 1966, in Tan An.
I’m writing a family memoir, but with the passage of time, memories have faded and papers have been lost.
So any help anyone can offer will be much appreciated. Thank you. Gwynne Elledge.
.elledge8@earthlink.net
Are you related to the Captain Elledge who was killed in action in Tan Am?
Glad to find this…been trying to find y’all on and off for awhile. I was with MAT 87, Ben Luc District, in pineapple country, Luong Hoa (4 and 7), 11/1970 – 8/1971. I still have a photo-mosaic map and photos taken while on a VR and compared that to a current google earth of the same area and can’t believe the changes to VN, Bomb craters gone, real hard roads and bridges, new Ben Luc bridge, factory buildings everywhere, my old compound obliterated, but bare now, I don’t recognize anything of the District compound. War is such waste, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Anyway I’m going to post some names, maybe someone knows or can add something, but here goes: Maj. Jacobson (DSA), Sgt. Bond (left him my .45) Cpt. Smith, Maj. Schmidt, Maj. Kennedy, Col. French (III corp?), Col. Lacy, Col. Lockridge, and my team at Luong Hoa, Lt. R A Farrand, Sgt MacDaniels, Sgt Doc Bailey, Sgt Maurice Foster, Sgt Thao (interpreter). I’m still working, and furniture and large garden clay vases come into the warehouse, made in VN! I say to the millenials I work with, “those clay vases have American blood somewhere”. I guess in some ways we are all still there, aren’t we?
Darn right!
Came to TM86 in Feb/72 of all the names you listed only Col Lockridge remained as commander. I created a Facebook page of Tm 86 and my time there. Try MACV ADV TM86 you may find some pics that will be of interest to you. Welcome Home Brother.
Felix, perhaps you remember me. At the time in team 86 I was 1lt Warren Geiger. I remember you well. I think you were a specialist is that right? Contact me at wfgeiger@verizon.net. I tried to get the Facebook page you mentioned but no luck.
Warren –
I spent two years in Long An with CORDS before your time. I’m writing a book on pacification and would very much like to talk to you.
Bruce Kinsey
(540) 459-8251
brucekinsey@hotmail.com
Tony,
I went to OCS (50th Anniversary 7-11-69) with Lt. R A Farrand. I have his contact information if you need it. Problem is how do I get it to you?
Maryann – Do you know which DISTRICT or UNIT he was in?
I was in Tan An city on Ben Luc river in early 1970 we lived in an old French garrison in town next to the province governor’s compound. The CIA RAN THE whole show. Belonged to 2nd Sig brigade 535 Sig co. Anyone else there? We had Army, Navy & Marines. Recall not what it used to be. Say hello
Ray, I was in Tan An November 1967 to July 1968. Lived with the CIA folks.
Bill welcome home blood. Did u work down the alley behind the governors mansion? I worked radio teletype on mansion grounds. Was 9th armored there during ur stay? Are u familiar with the Nuc Way bar / “hotel” in town? Ho Ho. Ur 1st person in many moons who even heard of locale. Happy Trails
Ray, thanks and Welcome Home to you. Yes, the 9th Inf. Div was there when I was. Didn’t know anyone in that outfit. My memory is fading fast, don’t remember that bar you mentioned. There was a bar in the “big” house that I frequented nightly.
Bill
Did you know Chuck Ellis or Ken Smiley?
Warren, did not know either of them. LTC Gilbert Province Cheif, CPT Rintz S-2, SGT Wilhite, Duane Hess, Tu Tua District and those are all the names I remember. Happy Thanksgiving! Bill
Hello, my father was assigned to Advisory Team #86. His name was Mike Nolan. He passed away in 2014. Does anyone recall him or have information on his work in Viet Nam? He also worked in Laos.
Peggy –
Did your dad ever work for Printing Industries of America? Did he have a problem with a blood disease?
Bruce Kinsey
What year was he there. I knew a Maj Nolan at Tan An in 1972.
Was Nolan from Mississippi? I had a team in Binh Phouc in 70-72.
Peggy –
Only saw your post today – 7/12/19. Dis your dad have an MBA from Harvard??? If so, I worked with him.
Bruce Kinsey
brucekinsey@hotmail.com
hello, my name is daniel salazar. my uncle jose salazar, was kia 12 oct 67 in long an province svn. he was a radio operator and his sgt was malcolm p libbey. i am looking to find anyone who knew him and possiby had any pictures. thank you in advance.
Hi, I’m Dan Gardner, I was with 19 TASS, Allen Facs, and I worked with Team 86 from Spring of 69 to fall of 69. We closed down our TACP at Tan An and relocated to Team 99 in Duc Hoa, where I served til Aug 70. While at Tan An I made friends with several locals, and have many good memories. I used to play with the kids on the soccer field until the ARVNs used it as a big parking lot for military vehicles. We lived on the 2nd floor of the barracks built on the compound next to the villa. We operated out of the TOC, I was Radio Maintenance/Operator and there was 3 other Radio Operators assigned.
Still looking to make contact with advisory team members who were in Can Douc during Oct.- Nov. ’67 time frame. I was there with 335th Radio Research Company (ASA) assigned to 2 man SRDF team.
I’m looking for the exact location of your detachment at Tan An. I’m in the 303d MI BN and trying to plot SFC Stirling’s death and all I have is the Fire Base at Tan An, so looking for that location. Thanks in advance
On Tan An mid 69 to very early 70 moved to Duc Hoa.
Worked comm center near PC house. Lived “hotel” at end of soccer field.
Rich
I was there close to the same time frame.
Tom.
Good to hear from you. Did you work in the signal unit? Live in the compound? I don’t remember your name, but by this time I don’t remember a lot, the food was poor, but I got food poisoning eating on food from the local market (I will remember that for a long time, hopefully). I also remember the tremendous number of bats that came out at dark…strange! Lot of good friends and weird times. Hope you are doing well.
Rich
Tet 1968 is 50 year anniversary
How many of you are interested in a Advisory Team 1968 re-union….if you’all have had one and I missed it then we should have another for me! 😉
Sounds interesting! How many of us are still around and kicking after 50 years?!?
Gordon,
I am still here and kicking but not quite as hard as I did 50 years ago.
Bill
Bill, Not only did we belong to the same Advisory Team, but now we belong to the same Not-So-Hard-Kickers Club!
Dennis, I would be interested but it should include all of the sub sector teams that were part of team 86
Pat Hearn Team 86 Can Duoc 1968-69
Absolutely./ Good point. We were ALL 86ers.
Patrick,
I was in Can Douc in 1970-1
Hello Darrell,
Its great to hear from a former Can Duoc Team 86 member. I left Can Duoc in March of 69. The team leader was a major Simpson who I think would have been there until early 1970. I hope the cistern we built in the subsector HQ was still working when you were there. We had scrounged two 5kW generators that ran 24×7. I would be surprised if they lasted another full year. . There are some crazy stories about those generators.. its funny what you remember. In early 68 there was a lot of hostile activity and village attacks. Speaking of crazy stories I recall one event where we were asked to employ an acoustic expert with a dish antenna something like what you would use for satellite TV. About 10:00PM he picks up lots of sounds in the patties just North of Can Duoc across the second bridge. We go out with a patrol of 20 or so and are holding at the bridge where I called in a few rounds of US artillery from Rach Kien. I knew it was going to be close but it actually came in very close… so I was getting the VN troops settled down and one of them put a piece of hot shrapnel in my hand just to emphasize that they did not like fire support that close. We never found any evidence of people in the patties and the acoustics expert went away the next day so I think the whole acoustic listening device was questionable . So many memories. I have thought about writing them up as a collection of stories.
Patrick Hearn (email: nwe9000@gmail.com)
When I came aboard there was a M-14 with sniper-scope a Thompson and a Swedish K sub machine gun. Any idea where they came from? I was with MAT III-26. We were in the Cho Tram compound. I am in very close contact with my interpreter and his home is in Rach Kien. Went on many air assaults with the RF’s below the Parrot’s Beak, and I agree they were very good troops.
Darrell,
We found numerous weapons caches when operating in the district and I can definitely tell you that we found Thompsons and AKs. I would guess that the M-14 with sniper scope must have belonged to some member of the team. But it was not there while I was on board. We had an excellent interpreter last name Yi who I got to know well. I would like to reconnect. I wonder if the interpreter you know who is in Rach Kien would know his wherabouts ? I believe Yi’s family was in the northern part of what was then South Vietnam so he may no longer be in the area.
-Pat
I found mine with help from Counterparts (I am a member) and it took only 1 week. Here is their website. counterparts.net/
Bill Laurie helped me. He sent out a email to Vietnamese communities world wide. (about 125 email addresses.)
Hi Patrick. So there are stories about those two 5kw trailer mounted generators that replaced a 1.5kw generator. The 5 kws were needed to power that fine refrigerator that appeared out of nowhere. There is a story to be told…. PS. When Major Simpson left there he went to Fort Dix . I was one of his company commanders. More stories.
HI Perry, Thanks for the update on Major Simpson. Do you have contact info ? I would like to reconnect with him and to also locate his predecessor Maj John Sweeny. I will pass along a story about the 5kW generators. Maj Sweeny had scrounged them, they were new but not working. I found that the magnetos had been removed and reinstalled at the wrong gear location so they were mistimed. I was able to find a timing mark and reassemble. They ran great after that. One of our best scroungers Sgt Mabry Elliott was able to get about twenty 55 gallon drums of gasoline for us and we stored it outside the subsector headquarters in Can Duoc. Now I realize we were all insane… that was like putting a bomb on your own front door. None of us ever worried about it the time and nothing happened so I guess we were lucky. Another crazyness was that I had to get my Father to send me a spark plug socket wrench from the states so we could change the plugs. Sgt Elliott and I also worked together to supervise Vietnamese contractors from Saigon to deliver Latterite ( red clay like road material ) so we could rebuild about half a mile of the road between Can Douc and Rac Kien. We would get convoys of 100 or so trucks at a time but had to lead them in our jeep because they were wary to be that far away from Saigon. On one trip a command detonated mine allowed our jeep to pass but blew up the first truck in the convoy. I always wondered why the person pushing the button allowed the jeep pass ? As you said, so many stories.
Patrick Hearn
TM 86 Can Duoc 1968- 1969
I was in Ben Luc July ’67 to about Oct. then moved to Tan An for the rest of my tour.
Tet 68 is fresh in all our minds…. I’m sure all of you remember things about Vietnam but, can’t remember yesterday. Found this website awhile back. I was in Tan An from June 67 to Jan 69. Would enjoy hearing from anyone. My memory is fading and can’t recall names. my email address is ozarkray@yahoo.com Thanks for the memories… Ray
Hello, Ray, You and I were in Tan An at the same time – I’m like you with fading memory but vivid recall of those long-ago days. Just as an example, at times, I can still remember feeling the delightful coolness of the air while being up in the helicopters prior to heli-mobile assaults (I even amassed enough hours in such assaults to earn the Air Medal, even as a ground-pounder) – it felt wonderful! My RTO was named Robbie (his cousin was an NBA star – I just have a blank on the last name…), and despite the rank separation, I looked upon him as a beloved kid brother. Oh! The bonds formed in those days still hold treasured memories! We did our duty and should feel very proud! It’s a joy to communicate with fellow 86ers! Best wishes!
I’m kinda new at this and not smart enough to have a smart phone. Not sure if we went on an missions together. I spent many days with Cpt. Combs until he was wounded after Tet ’68’.. not sure of all the Cpt’s… I remember Col. Gilbert, Major Stewart, and one more but the name doesn’t ring a bell. I left in Jan. 69 and spent quality time with Col. Asa P. Gray … I read about his death back in the states. I have been going back to Vietnam since 2007… Long An is doing well .. most of my Humanitarian work is further South in Ben Tre Province… not many tourists and many poor families. Saigon is amazing… 12 million people and when I’m there I feel as if I saw all of them in one day. Thank You for responding. Ray
scott harris, Team 86, USAF 555th Medical Service Flight, Tan An APO 96314 harrissscotts36@yahoo.com Olathe Kansas
Dennis –
Did anything come of the 50th anniversary
?
BK
Hey Bruce
Didn’t hear a word except from Captain Carmichael but subsequently nothing until your message.
On the eve of Veterans Day it pisses me off that our fallen brothers only got a small blink of the eye by media.
I will be standing tall Sunday and I know you and the other guys will be as well.
Hey congratulate me people…I finally pulled the trigger on retirement at 70.
Great to be alive
Sent from my iPhone
>
My name is Carl Johnson,was assigned to MACV tm 86 Tan An,68-69,just turned 70 myself,welcome home brother,we still do not get the respect we deserved.
Thanks Carl…I always try to remember for those of us who made it home okay through the good and bad times to remember we owe it to our fallen brothers (and sisters) to live well and be thankful to not only our fallen but family and friends and even strangers who did reach out to me when I came home.
I went back for Tet this past February. Long An Province is really thriving. Saigon is so very much crowded.. makes Long An a great location for factories. A very efficient highway from Saigon down to the Delta area. Love the people…. food and sights. I’ve been going back every year since 2007… Ray Wade
Would love to see Viet Nam now,dont know if Tan An is still Tan An anymore,so many memories.So many lives lost,so many men and women and friends gone. Years have gone by so fast.
Thank You for responding Carl. I was always told that our days would be fleeting.. now I’m experiencing it also. Tan An is not the same, nor is Vietnam and for that matter even America has changed. However, America is still the greatest place to be living. I look at the war as government vs. government and on both sides we were just pawns.. the younger generation of Vietnamese people are hard working, family dedicated and love their Pho. Thank You for serving. Veterans Day is everyday. Peace be with you.
I went back for Tet this past February. Long An Province is really thriving. Saigon is so very much crowded.. makes Long An a great location for factories. A very efficient highway from Saigon down to the Delta area. Love the people…. food and sights. I’ve been going back every year since 2007… Ray Wade
I was with tm#86 in Binh Phuoc, 69-70, was the RTO, call sign, MIKE MIKE
Kraut,
Our RTO in Ben Luc was PFC Bruce. Never did know his last name.
Bill
My call sign was “Cotton Vodka One Zero” – so I could say “This is Numba’ Ten!”
That brings back memories, some good some not so good.
Roger that.
Did they have a special action team in your district. I commanded the one in tan tru district from Mar thru july 69?
rich webster
Rich,
Not that I remember. I was in Ben Luc and a green 2LT in MI and we set up a District Operations and Intelligence Co-ordinating Center DOICC. It never really was of much value. We couldn’t get our RF/PF people to leave the compound until the sun came up. I moved to Tan An in Oct. ’67 and worked with the PRU for the rest of my tour.
The Special action teams were deployed by PSA Col Gray in March 69 and put the RF/PF under the command of the MAT team that comprised
the SPAT- it also was comprised of a PRU, RD Cadre, National Policeman, and a VIetnamese intelligence sergeant, plus a small contingent of 9th infantry troops. The PF/RF were forced out of their compounds into the villages at night to confront the VC/NVA who had previously had free range during night time hours.
To Rich Webster, I don’t know about the special action teams you mention but I’m not surprised about your mention of them. I remember Col. Gray well and was saddened to learn about his death a short time after I returned home.
In 1968-1969 I ran a PRU Team and a specially trained and equipped local special action platoon with my VN Lt. counterpart. We were located about 18 clicks from the Cambodian border. From our Team House to the Cambodian border it was all free fire zone. We operated in the free fire zone most nights and the B-52’s bombed every night. We coordinated with the B-52’s but how we didn’t get hit I still don’t know. I will never forget the many night Ops with my PRU’s or the chopper combat assaults we did. Thanks to the Cobra gunships and the door gunners on our Huey’s we always got in. I’ll always remember the pick-ups. Sitting on the floor of the Huey. Legs and feet swinging in the cool air…just above the skids. Wet and tired…it was great be going home.
R.
Hello Bill,
I must know you as I was in Tan An in the operations section, May 19676-January 1968. Ed Garten was also in that section. THen I I went to Ben Luc. as the DSA Jan-July `68. Bruce was the RTO but I can not remember his last name either. I visited Bruce and his parents in August `68 after he returned home. I have a letter from him someplace but have yet to find it. Other Ben Luc team members were SFC Calvin Pierce and SFC John Burke. There was a big Air Force guy there who got wounded in the arm in January in one of the mortar attacks we got during my time there. He was one of five team members wounded during the six months I was there. Fortunately none of the wounds were life threatening. I think the PRU advisor in Tan An was named Dick but don`t remember his last name either. He had a couple of SF guys with him. One night the PRU knocked out a signal section of the 506 Local Bn. The PRU commander was tough guy. Always wonder what happened to him & if he got out. Col. James Herbert was the Province American SA. There was Vietnamese LTC who was good friend of mine. I hope he got out. The Province Chief was called Colonel Buffalo. Thanh was from the North and was taller than most Vietnamese. I knew him from my time as Sr. Advisor to the 3 Bn., 49 RVN Inf Regt. , July 1966-April 1967. He was in the regiment at the time. I knew the 9th Division people there in Tan An also: Col. Murray, the brigade commander, and a Medal of Honor winner from WWII. Major Ray Tomlinson, Capt Chuck Lytle and others.
John Harrell
oberjager6@comcast.net
John,
Wow, you have quite a good memory! I, too, don’t remember PFC Bruce’s last name. SFC Pierce was our team doc and SFC Burke got me in a little hot water as he showed me how to use a parachute flare. (It was the 4th of July). I also recall a CPT Fajardo, SGT Boyd, and MAJ Robert Wyer. I don’t remember the AF guy.at all. I have pictures of Pierce and Burke and LTC Gilbert as well as Chuck Jones who was Dick Manns right-hand man at the PRU compound in Tan An. I will send the photos to your comcast.net address shortly.
All the best,
Bill
Bill,
His name was Bruce LeClair. He was from southern Indiana.
John Harrell
John,
Thanks for the update on PFC Bruce. With everyone rotating in and out, I don’t remember much about him. My memories are mainly of MAJ Robt. Wyer. He and I hit off and went drinking and carousing in downtown Ben Luc. SFC Burke lead me down the path of monkey business when I asked him about firing the LAW. We went out to a cemetery and I aimed at a tombstone which looking back I am glad I missed it. Also, I had never thrown a “real” hand grenade. Guess who helped me with that adventure? Same cemetery, I pulled the pin and threw it into some much which muffled the sound and blast area. Lesson over.
Bill
Does anyone remember TET’68 when the main compound in Tan An took fire, was mortared, and RPG-ed, and the soccer field in front, Tan An City, and the walls around the Province Chief’s house were swarming with VC – none got in the compound (thanks a great deal to the 50-cal on the water tank and the compound bristling with weapons), but it was an exciting time. I understand the old compound is gone now (PC’s house?). I lost my name list years ago (except I remember my right-hand man and ultimately good friend (who was with me on countless heli-mobile assaults), Rob Macovich (sp?), whom I would very much like to hear from, as well as others. From early 67 to late 68 I was at Tan An as a CPT; then 71-72 with MACV in Hau Nghia. Gordon Carmichael
P.S. I also remember the friendly server in the mess hall we called “Bubbles” – does that ring bells?
Hello,
I was there during TET 1968. I remember the .50 caliber on the water tower and a mortar round hit the roof of the house where I was living while working with the PRU unit. I was a 1st LT, MI. I remember then CPT Robert Rintz who I have met with several times in the last ten years.
Hello, Bill,
Thank you for your reply. It stirred another memory of the gunships (I think we called them “Spookies”) raining fire around us, with the tracers making the rounds look like colored solid lines. They were welcome sights!
I can never forget the distant but distinctive “fumps” of the mortars leaving the tubes and that dread-filled wait to see where the rounds landed with that blasting crunch – burned in my mind. And I’ll always recall the smell of the fog the smoke-laying choppers provided for the heli-mobile insertions (the neat thing was it seemed to cling to us and acted for a while as a terrific mosquito repellant – but I wonder what that did to our lungs?)!
Although I’ve often thought of it, I’ve never gone back. But I guess oddly, I have deeply fond memories of the experiences and the camaraderie of the working as a team and depending on one another. It was a hellish time, but in spite of the fact I stayed in the army until retirement, I never again had that amazing feeling of the strong bonds it created (the worn-out cliché of Shakespeare’s ‘we band of brothers’).
I have looked at Google maps of Tan An today and am absolutely amazed to see it is a big place now – not the rather charming village it once was. And Saigon is unrecognizable!
I’ve racked my brain for names, but, alas, my memory is dimming.
Good to hear from you. Gordon
Gordon,
I have two pictures of the Spooky that circled Tan An that night but I can’t figure out how to paste or attach them to this post. As I recall the river was called Song Vam Co Tay? I also have a picture of the roof where the mortar round hit. We went back in 1998 but the old compound was gated with no entry. The bridge has been replaced but the old bridge is still there as a pedestrian only bridge. The water tower is still there but doubt it is in use.
I just finished the book “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. If you haven’t read it I would highly recommend it to you since you mentioned the camaraderie we experienced during those times.
I got out in Sept. 1969 after running the San Francisco Field Office of the 525 MI Group.
Keep the messages coming.
Bill
Yes, Tan An sat on the Song Vam Co Tay, which joined the Song Vam Co Dong to the east-southeast. You may remember that the vital Ben Luc Bridge over the Song Vam Co Dong was blown down by the VC (and the Corps of Engineer’s replacement pontoon bridge was blown up a month later but they quickly re-replaced) during the summer of the waning months of TET68 – that bridge was the Delta’s (and Team 86’s) heartline to Saigon (up to the actual blow up of the bridge, we flippantly used “Defend the Ben Luc Bridge” as our joking mantra daily, which suddenly became not funny at all)!
Funny recalls: During TET68, I was twice actually arrested by American MPs – once while I was on a supply run with my Vietnamese unit to ARVN (when the MPs called in, they were told to release me PDQ), and another time (by real jerks and their 1st LT, a simpering idiot “Well I’m just following orders, Sir” he kept repeating over and over as I told him he was making a huge mistake! – I and my men were held for four hours so we had to drive back to Tan An after dark, which was damn scary!) while on a really desperate ammo run to Saigon because I did not have Saigon-issued passes during TET! Oh! Did some MPs and their CO get scorched – I understand the whole issue of MACV Advisors’ status as to whom they belonged reached Westmoreland’s MACV Chief of Staff, MG Kerwin, and MACV won and advisors were removed from the purview of American MPs (I doubly loved my MACV patch after that).
I am pleased to know that as of 1998 our old ‘villa’ at our compound still existed – it holds some unusual but fond recollections (such as, during TET68, our Senior Advisor had as many people as possible move into/onto the first floor to use the roof and second floor as a mortar shield – golly, it was packed and many of us moved outside to sleep but near enough to run in when we heard mortars firing). I wonder if the Province Chief’s villa remains (I recall our then-Province Chief was a fat and pompous old guy wearing an unlikely array of medals who would not go near any chance of facing fire but loved all the pomp and kowtowing the Americans and locals provided) and the soccer field out front? Probably too high-priced property now.
You know, Bill, in looking back, I think we were so very, very, very lucky to serve as advisors – at least in Team 86, which maintained its integrity (as far as I’ve ever heard) while American units struggled with “fraggings”, gangs, drugs, anti-war near-mutinies, racial tensions, and such. We seemed to be a professional, cohesive bunch of troops, who kept our morale and sanity. But I do not think a single one of us came home the person we were before (my mother and grandmother used to quietly comment that they wished they could send the present Gordon back and have the old one returned, while my dad – a WW II Army Air Corps B-29 veteran – absolutely ‘loved’ the new one = a “real soldier”).
But I’ll Never – to my grave – Ever Forgive what we came home to. No “Heroes” then! I still carry deep-seeded anger (and when people of my age come up with their “Thank You For Your Service” self-serving guilt-soothing blather, I really want to ask them where they’ve been for 50 years and then to tell them to go to Hell)! Okay, rant over.
I’ve read O’Brien’s book. Quite interesting.
Best, Gordon
It’s too bad pictures can’t be posted with these notes. Pictures would bring life to our history. I spent 1968-1969 in Thu Thua, west of Tan An on the Plain of Reeds near the Cambodian border. We were a remote part of Team 86. Six great guys. Best to you all. RS.
Have started a facebook page. MACV ADV TM86 in order to be able to post pics. Have posted a few of what’s left of the compound in Tan An. was posted therein 72/73.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Those photos of our old compound really stir the memories. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I was at Tan An compound for 3 months 1971. I knew it well. 2 days ago visited for the first time since. Had studied seriously several times prior to leaving US. I cannot say with certainty that it still exists today. There is a building there that certainly looks it but is now a gov. building of some type and it’s location doesn’t seem right. Where entrance to our compound was is a very massive building of some type, at least according to my memory. The building similar to ours is at the end of open field close to Song Vam Co Tay river. Prior to Team 86 was with E/75th 3rd brigade in Tan An. Entrance to that compound is easily located, after that it’s a new universe. Prior to E/75th was up north Chi Lai area attached to a marine unit. Prior to that 9th Infantry Dong Tan. Dong Tam today is a military compound renting the land to local marine industry. Entrance am told can be achieved by getting permission but that takes time and not a priority at the moment.
For those debating whether to return or not best of luck, had the same fears and emotions have been confusing while here. For instance, seeing victory posters around Ho Chi Minh city celebrating tet 1968 unnerving. Seeing music and dancing going on celebrating victory of 1975 at Independence Palace was a jolt of guilt. Seeing 4 lane traffic with Jersey barriers separating north south traffic and both sides of highway lined with shoulder to shoulder businesses not allowing visibility to rice paddies was unbelievable. This and the fact those rice paddies are gone taken over by fruit farmers.
However, the people couldn’t be any nicer and are eager to speak English with you. The people are the same just lots more of them.
Last but not least on a personal note, was glad to read that the saying “thank you for your service” annoys someone else, however, for a different reason. I was RA and majority of people in my basic company fort Lewis April 1967 (A/5/2) were draftees. We were so outnumbered we were booed whenever service numbers were called out. No one prouder than me form service here, few more bothered by some of the things I did over here. When someone says that to me l say thank you but each time I think ‘don’t thank me, I wanted to come and proud of it, tell that to a draftee or to his parents if he didn’t return alive.’
So come back and cast a vote on the old compound. I’m sure when this adventure is over ill be more than happy I did return. Good luck
Just a light hearted story of Tan An.
At the main roundabout into town is the Long An Cinema. Went inside during a movie in 1970 and it was wall to wall kids glued to some kind of Chinese kid movie. All the seats were wooden folding seats. Within a minute or 2 upon arriving the film broke and the whole theater errupted in
protest by getting up and banging their seats up and down. You just had to laugh at the spectical..
Went into the same cinema a few days ago . Lobby was opened but theater closed. Asked permission to see inside but declined. My host explained why I was interested and immediately the doors were openew agony only difference I could see were cushioned seats. Even those seats were old.
Check out facebook page MACV ADV TM86 for some pics of what it looked like when I left in 73.
Gordon,
Somehow, I missed this message. I must agree with you on the fact that we were “lucky” to have served on Advisory Team 86. And you are right that we missed all the fragging and drugs that seem to cling to Vietnam veterans.
On this eve of Veterans Day 2020, I salute you and all who served with us.
Bill
Best wishes to you, Bill.
I worked in tan 36g20 manual central office repairman long an switchboard. I was there 5/28/68 to 6/8/69.
Rank sp5 I have many 35mm slides of all my travels in country. My name Stephen Schweter..
Gordon Carmichael,
I am Dennis Carmichael-Antenucci… I met you once at Duc Hoa (Team 99) where I was in commo detachment NCO in the amazing cafeteria until I was reassigned to Team 86. I was in fact at Hau Nghia compound that first night and had been there 2-3 months already. I was the only commo team member who survived the two 122mm rockets that hit our hootch. Specialists Hanson, Lightborne and Story….I survived the attack to include going back into the hooch under heavy small arms and RPG attack at gate to pull Hanson out of the hooch while he was still alive. Got a couple medals and a cup of coffe back in Duc Hoa….LOL…We were lucky enough to have the LRRP platoon element from 25ID on the compound that night and the machine gunner received a Silver Star for laying his M60 down behind the front gate where sappers had blown the gate down. Thanks to him and many others including MACV Security that night we were not overrun. Lots of heroic actions by many. I headed back to Hau Nghia in 2012 and yea the compound is no more that is for sure….but I met some great Vietnamese there and we had a great reunion night together as the locals still alive to remember DID remember.
PS…..I have a website that addresses what I did after I came home. I don’t know the URL but if you go to “TeamPanteraRacing.com there ares some good photos of life AFTER the Nam
Dennis,
I apologize for the delay in answering – I had deep brain surgery in December and (at my age) recovery takes a while.
I have numerous times debated a revisit of Vietnam – I very much liked the people and thought it was a beautiful country – but that nagging thought of nothing being the same as I recall it from “those days” has repeatedly snuffed the idea. I will always treasure what we tried to do there – we were serving our country (which ultimately betrayed us and turned its back on us). But we can forever hold the pride of serving and trying.
I read your TeamPantera site – Wow! Awesome – you have a wonderful involvement.
After I retired from the army, I went home to Texas and became a professor of English for twenty years. Then I moved to Utah for the skiing, which I’ve now had to give up because of the brain tumors and bad knees. But I’ve decided to say on in Utah as I have no family back home in Texas any longer and might as well stay here. The old “You have to be somewhere so you might as well be where you are” cliché.
Best wishes, Gordon
Gordon –
Go back !!! Tan An has changed, but the rest of the province is as lush and productive as ever. You might even be able to find a few of your old Vietnamese buddies. People love to welcome Americans. And the pineapple is still the world’s finest.
Bruce Kinsey
I would second that suggestion to go back to Hau Nghia or where ever you served. I did so and was glad I did.
Also stayed a couple weeks in Vung Tau as well. Also visited Nha Trang. But it was the in-country R&R’s to Vung Tau I fondly remembered 😉
Gordon,
What a privilege to receive a response from you.
I still remember our brief meeting in Duc Hoa at the Cafateria. Very sorry to hear of your illness and recent health issues but I am very happy to hear from you. And thank you for your kind words on my life after the Nam.
I tried with out success to reach each of the families of my commo buddies (Specialists Lightborne, Hanson and Story) that got killed that first night of Tet in our commo hooch. Always had allot of guilt that I survived and they did not. Tried to reach out to their families m through VFW but they either did not respond to requests or wrote they did not want to re-live the pain they obviously endured after their sons and husbands had been killed. And that is no surprise at all. I should of known they would not want to hear from me about any relationship with each of them but would still like to reach out to the children or grandchildren as they may feel differently.
But I also do NOT know where to begin on contacting anyone again outside this forum, No doubt I am answering my own suggestion or questions regarding the family members but I do get-it that it would be better if I did not pursue this further. So sharing out loud with you and the other veterans.
Sharing via this forum is good – I’m sure you’ve also found non-veterans care not a fig for anything dealing with Vietnam. So, we share here.
I, too, found contacting families of those lost was not a good idea – I think the national bitterness (and now guilt) keeps everyone unsure of how to relate. I sometimes wonder if those who so taunted and besmirched us upon our return have any pangs of remorse – I would like to think so but I rather doubt it.
I often find myself shocked to re-remember that it has been FIFTY years since Tet 68! FIFTY! In many ways, it could have been last week. It somehow seems odd to say, but those were good days…the camaraderie, the brotherhood, the intra-dependence and the inter-dependence we shared remains unequaled. As Shakespeare called it, we were indeed a Band of Brothers.
And now, we Band of Brothers are dying off, so this forum becomes even more important. We were ignored, but we should not, must not be forgotten (as the vast majority of America wishes us to be).
On another subject, do you know Clan Carmichael is alive and well in Scotland – I’ve visited numerous times and walked our ancestral lands. Special accommodations are available for those bearing the name. Check = https://www.carmichael.co.uk/clan-carmichael/ – the Carmichael Scots certainly make a clansman feel welcome.
Let’s stay in touch. texasfurclan@gmail.com – Gordon
My name is Ray Wade… I just found this website while searching for Tet 68. I plan to go back in Feb… I don’t remember too many people, however, Cpt. Carmichael sounds familiar. I was in Tan An from june 67 to jan 69 with a month leave in june 68. One person I remember was Cpt. Larry Combs… we were on many missions with the ARVN.. Scott Harris has been keeping me updated.
My name is PHUONG, HUYNH LIEN who worked with you in Tan An Juspao MACVTeam 86 Tan an Vietnam. My handphone number is + (84) 01692930538 or + (84) 01263289169. Home phone: + 84.028.38503810. My email: loan2023@gmail.com. My currrent address is C3/22 H, Pham Hung street, Ap 4, Binh Chanh , HCM city, Vietnam. Please contact me ASAP. I have been trying to contact you for years even when I was in USA from 2012 to 2016. Thanks. Signed by PHUONG
Rob – send me your e-mail address. brucekinsey@hotmail.com
Rob – Left CG in late ’68 for Tan An, so I didn’t know Major Moss. My successor in Can Giuoc was Larry Crandall, and his successor was Rob Gehring. Ring any bells? I gave contact info for both of them. RSVP
Bruce……thanks for the quick response. Don’t know Rob Gehring. I was in Can Giuoc for only 2 months then transferred to Clark AB in the P. I. as a bodyguard as all of the field grade officers’ (1 star and above) families lived at Clark AB and the U.S. Army Liaison Det. served to protect those 58 or so families.
Thanks….
Rob
Bruce…..If you sent their contact info to me…….I haven’t received it! Were you stationed at the “house” that served as HQ (TOC) in Can Giuoc? What was your rank and duties, etc?
Thanks….
Rob
Carl, you are so right to be amazed that I remember your living in Alexandria. My memory is getting very, very poor, so I am also amazed I remember such. I was thumbing through the website and saw the name of Scott Seawel. Scott, I am so sorry I do not remember you, but you sure did bring back some memories if the hospital life. Wow. Back to Carl, I have lived all over the country, almost coast to coast, and now live in northern part of Oklahoma.
Richard,youre correct,i was from alexandria,va,great memory,how are you doing now,ok i hope,the time has gone by so fast,my wife died last yr,which has made things a little difficult,stay in touch good friend,Carl Johnson
Carl, when I left Viet Nam, I was stationed at Andrews AFB. I thought you were from the Alexandria area, but didn’t know how I could find you, way back then. While there, I thought of you often. Oh, yes, the reason I served only 11 months in Nam was that I was one of Nixon’s statistics. I didn’t have any idea why my orders showed up a month early, but when I got Stateside I was told. Remember Nixon’s speech when he said; “We have already brought home ….thousands…” Wow, it is so good to communicate with you, and leave a comment.
Contact me! Scott Harris ,Olathe KS.
555th 67/68 90250 x-ray.
contact Sgt. Scott at 9133-237-3993 or harrisscott36@yahoo.com
Richard,this is Carl Johnson,i do remember you,so glad you made it out ok,i agree with you,that 14 months i was there,i wouldnt exchange for anything,nice to hear from you,you take care and welcome home.
My name is Richard Coy. I served as medic in the hospital in Tan An from July 1968 to June 1969. Carl Johnson, it is good to hear that name again. Such a long time ago, but I still look at it as the best year of my life. First time I’ve seen this page, but now I plan to see it often. Sincere thanks to whomever put it together.
Richard, were you a member of the 555 MILPHAP ? I was part of the 1st team that got to Tan An in 5/66. Not many seem to remember the MILPHAP teams.
Gail, this is Jack Miller. I saw your post and was surprised. Lost track of you after my retirement in 1982. We are living in Willis Texas about 50 miles north oh Houston. Turned 75 last month. Have not had any contact with anyone the 555 for years. First wife passed in 1994 and remarried in1998. Have 4 grandchildren. Are you still in Florida. My email is jmillerc@peoplepc.. com
Scott Harrisscott36@yahoo.com
,68-68
Milphap
harrisscott36@yahoo.com
Hey; Richard, my name is Scott Seawel. I was a medic in Tan An from Nov 68 to Jul of 69.. Would love to talk to anyone from there. My email is: luvmyboots2000@yahoo.com.
Steve,my name is Carl Johnson,i was with MACV team 86,in the yrs 68-69,i cant find anything on that compound,very sorry to hear your dad was killed,i know col.Gray was killed over there,if i come across anything,i will let you know,thank you,Carl Johnson
Thank you for any info. That was his second tour and he was only there from early November to December 28, ’68.
Just not sure where to look either.
Steve, Richard Sutliffe would like your email. It is regarding your father William Ferguson. If you will send it to me I will pass it on to you.
Thank you. Can email me at sferguson2394@gmail.com
Steve, give me a call. I can help you regarding Capt. William Ferguson.. 713-299-8179
I was a captain in Team 86 (mid-1967 to late-1969 — I extended my tour), in Tan An and served under Colonel Grey for about five or so weeks until I was medevaced out of Vietnam early in December 1969. Even in those few weeks, I recognize that he was one of the nicest, most forthright, and intelligent officers I’ve known. He genuinely cared about his troops! Sadly, I did not learn he was killed for some years. But for the short time he was my commander, it was an honor to know him. I tried to pattern myself on many of his characteristics as I rose in rank in my career. He was a wonderful man.
Felix Garcia MACV ADV TM 86 May 72-Feb73. Forgive my intrusion. Have seen several comments regarding the main compound. It was abandoned shortly after my arrival in 72. By that time there may have been a dozen personnel left not counting civilians. Operations were moved to the N/W corner adjacent to the old compound. Upon our move the locals stripped the old compound bare. Seemingly overnight the two-story barracks disappeared. It’s been good to hear names of places. Col Hemphill was commanding at the time.
Hello, Felix,
Thank you for the description of the Team 86 compound’s end. I lived there for nearly two years (early-1967 to late-1969) as a Team 86 MACV captain, and remember it well. We had a small bar to the right of the villa building (the mess hall was inside the villa on the ground floor with rooms above) with a movie room behind. I bunked in a room in a building off to the left of the villa; the big barracks was behind me with the latrine and showers between. Hard to believe it was sacked.
I was there for TET68 when the compound was attacked with mortars, RPGs, and ground fire. It was a wild time! Vietnam was bedlam for months afterwards. Everywhere we manoeuvred in heli-mobile assaults all over Long An to Saigon, we ran into fierce ground fire, and the VC had seemingly unlimited mortars and RPGs.
I also recall the Delta-wide disruption when the vital Ben Luc Bridge was blown down that summer and the pontoon bridge we had to use was blown up a month later – but the marvelous American engineers restored it again quickly. The VC liked to harass us while we were crossing that bridge (up or down).
Thank you for the update! Gordon Carmichael
just watched “Brothers in War” on netflix. It brought back a lot of memories about Vietnam for me, and seeing the delta and Long An Providence really took me back. Those were a tough bunch of guys in 67 and 68. I remember going out on ops with maj Gesluga and Col Grey and calling in air strike and gunships for support. Pretty crazy times. Anyway if you haven’t seen the documentary you should check it out. I’m still trying to find out if anyone knows where a Will Utsey from tac86 is. Welcome Home!
Lane,
Thanks for the tip on the movie.
Bill Lawyer
Ben Luc District
’67-’68
My name is carl johnson and yes you did come to Tan An for your mail,i was there sept 68 to nov 69
Do you have email addresses for any other members.
Tarcan@aol.com
Another Veterans Day has passed. All of us still enjoying each day are blessed to be able to pause and reflect on our days of service to this great nation, and for all of those men and women who proceeded us and those that have followed us up to the young inductees reporting for training tomorrow.
We all need to focus our prayers and best thoughts that President elect Trump leads our nation from a position of strength, using his skills as a negotiator and sparingly puts our troops at risk.
God Bless America!
J Fred Oliver
Amen
Ray,im doing ok,my wife died last year ,so life is so different now,hope youre doing well.Have you heard from anyone ekse who was there with us?
Hi Carl. I’m so sorry to hear about your wife. Glad to hear you’re doing well though. I haven’t heard from anyone else personally. It’s been a while since Randy posted anything. Since I learned that had Jim had died I managed to track down his son whom I believe lives in or near Reno, Nevada. I have a California flag Jim gave passed on to me as a fellow Californian when he left the unit. The plan was to pass it on to the next guy from California assigned to the unit. Never saw one until I left in October 70. I brought the flag home. Now I’d like to give it to Jim’s son. I’ll let you know when and if I locate him. I don’t check this site as frequently as my private email. Write to me there at rvortiz@gmail.com. I check my private email everyday. Take care my friend. I’ll stay in touch. Thanks for your friendship.
Hi Carl. Been awhile since I contacted you on this site. Hope all is well with you. I lost my wife of 44 years last September. Big life changer. Would really like to hear from you. Here’s my email address again: rvortiz@gmail.com. Hoping for some response. Your friend , Ray.
I served on team 86 as engineer advisor from May of 1969 to May of 1970 mainly restoring roads and bridges, working with the Seabed team and the public works dept. I worked with Sgt David Miller who was the best combat engineer I ever met. From MILPHAP555 I remember Sgt Gentles. Others were Major Simpson, Major Gesulga, Col Sanderson, George Serencko, “Snoopy” (at the front gate), Captain Gregory, Murphy,and Pitaro. I met many good people and have no regrets for my time there. I love to reminisce and welcome the opportunity. My email is ralphwed@verizon.net and my cell is 609-471-3361. Best wishes to all.
I served on Team 86 in Thu Thua from May 1968 until May 1969 with some great guys. Lts. Stone, Buehrig, Sgts. Hoepner, Spec John Baugh…just to name a few of the guys. We had about six guys in our Outpost so I’m sorry to be leaving out a few. John served as my RTO on many chopper combat assaults in the Plain of Reeds on the Cambodian border as well as many night ambushes with our PRU platoon. I’m still in touch with John Baugh, Richard Stone and Grant Buehrig. If there is a way to post a couple of pictures let me know.
PS. The best to all you guys that served.
Richard
Guys,
A couple of weeks ago I sorted through my old VN slides. Thanks to an Instamatic camera my parents sent me I have a couple of hundred slides. John Baugh, RTO and I did several Ops, both day and night, with that Instamatic camera in a plastic bag. We sent the film off to the PX with the request for two copies of each picture. Thanks to that we’ve got a number of slides from ’68-69.
It was interesting to look at these pictures from many years ago. Chopper combat assaults, daytime Ops in the Plain of Reeds on the Cambodian border, the early morning beauty of the rice paddies…and much more. I selected a few and had them converted to CD (digital). It was not expensive. If you have some old photos from your time in VN converting them to a digital format is easy and pretty inexpensive. Think about doing it.
Best to you.
Rich
Mr. Sutliffe,
You were kind enough to share a story and possibly some info with one of my brothers regarding meeting my father, Capt. William E. Ferguson and working with his unit the night he was killed, December 28, 1968. With your story and one from Mr. Richard Stone, it was mentioned dad was based at the “122 Compound” down the road from the MACV Team 86 compound. Someone provided a map from that time but I was wondering if you know of any photos of the 122 Compound or of any additional contacts that may be able to share any info, stories, etc.
Still want to find out anything we can.
Thank you for any help and info and for your previous comments.
Steve Ferguson
Steve, very sorry for your father’s death. I put together a reaction force with my PRU mercenaries that night to try to save him and others in his company. But we got there too late. I’m having trouble with this website. If you send me your email address I’ll try to give you more information and some pictures. You should know your father loved all of you and proudly showed me pictures of you all…and he did the very best by his troops too.
Richard Sutliffe
Thank you. Can email me at sferguson2394@gmail.com
Marion lane (rto at tan an). 68-69 sept I remember you and John coming to Tan An once in a while,I’m sure we talked a lot on the radio
111-57 Team 86
Gary Johnson Sgt.
Thu Thua
June 68 to June 69
With Lieutenant Buehrig, Captain Byrd,
J T Crawford, Gary Ruck, and later with Lieutenant Pifer, and Lieutenant Mead and Sgt Gonzalez,
Our team was at the South end of Thu Thua and I think we came to you to pick up our mail.
I remember Hoepner and
Lieutenant Stone 👍
Hi Gary,
I think you were with the MAT Team at the 849 Compound down the canal from our Team 86 team house. I’m still in contact with your old Lt. Grant Buehrig. We met in San Francisco a few years ago. He and his family are doing fine. I got a text message today from Lt. Stone who now lives in Austin and has two granddaughters. He is also doing fine. I also met a year ago last summer with my buddy Spec4 John Baugh who humped the radio on so many day and night Ops with me. He lives in Indiana and is also a father and a grandfather. I’m glad to be in contact with all of them. I hope you and your family are well. I might have a picture someone took with you in it on the top of 849 compound when Lt. Buehrig left the Mat Team to go back to the 9th Inf. and we did some celebrating. The best to you.
R.
I served as engineer advisor on team 86 from 5/69 to 5/70. I remember a Sgt. Gentles with MILPHAP555 and had the good luck to work with Sgt. David Miller. We restored a lot of roads and bridges working with the Seabee team and the public works dept. Met many good people and have no regrets for the time there. I love to reminisce and welcome the opportunity. My email is ralphwed@verizon.net and can be reached at 609-471-3361. Best wishes to all.
I served on Advisory Team 86 during the latter part 1970-1971 under Major George E. Watkins. I was the MI Phoenix/DIOCC Officer.
Would like to hear if any one has any info regarding Maj. Watkins or others.
I was the MI Phoenix/DIOCC from July – Oct 70. Did you replace me?
I served on Team 86 under Major Watkins in November 1970 and went home April 1971. So far I have not been able to find anything in regard to the Major. Any assistance would be appreciated.
I, too, was the DIOCC LT in Ben Luc District in July 1967 to Oct 1967 when I moved to Tan An and joined the PRU CIA folks.
What can you remember or tell me about the special action teams devised by Col Gray in early 69 until july 69 until I left? They continued on after I left but how long? I served as team leader in tan tru province under Major Gravitt, the DSA and Captain Smith was the Phoenix officer.
John Greer, SGT with 493 MID supporting 5/60 9ID at Binh Phouc in 1970. Not seeing much here from the MACV 86 outpost in Binh Phouc so thought I’d include a line. CPT David White requested my transfer to Team 86 in July, but was sent to Saigon for CMIC instead.
i was the RTO at Binh Phuoc.. 69-70
Ray,i was so sorry to hear that jim died in 2013,what a nice guy,you take care ,ill stay in touch,carl
Hi Carl. Haven’t seen any postings/comments from you in a while. Hope all is well. Let me know how you’re doing buddy.
Ray,
Just saw your recent entry concerning Sergeant Battles. I was with him the day he was blown up by booby trap in the Plain of Reeds. We were on patrol with the RF company out of Tan Tru. Worst day of my life. He was a brave, professional soldier and I counted him as a friend. I visited his widow at Fort Bragg after the War.
Clarence,
The Wild Turkey and Kentucky does not ring a bell. The two COs that I was in conatct with were Maj Sweeny and Maj Simpson ,,, I did not know Maj Simpson for that long so he might be an outside possibility.
Pat Hearn
Clarence,
Lt Whitall was CO at that time and our radio did not go out. This was another incident you are recalling I guess.
Ray ,do you recieve any kind veteran benefits from being in Nam,im glad you are doing ok,where do you live?
I don’t. Although I’m told I may qualify for something. Are you collecting?
I’m living in San Jose, Ca. Moved here in 1973 with my wife right after we got married. We both graduated from San Jose State University. Been here ever since. Here’s my personal email address so you can contact me directly. Look forward to staying in touch. Take care.
rvortiz@gmail.com
Have you heard back from Randy Stewart?
Ray,im not getting anything from V A,tried but was turned down,no i havent heard anymore from Randy,ill keep in touch,take care
Hi Carl. Hope all is well with you. I have some sad news. You may already know but I recently learned that Jim Ahnlund died in December 2013. I’m trying to reach a family member who may live in Reno, Nevada. I’ll keep you posted. Take care my friend.
In regards to my postings back in November and December last year. I found a letter from Mr. Jeffery Race who indicated that a Major Robert Rintz was in Can Duoc at that time and maybe the person who I spoke with the morning of 11 November 1967. Anyone remember him ?
Bob
Rintz was a captain at that time. He was the intell advisor in Tan An.
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:09:27 +0000 To: brucekinsey@hotmail.com
Robert,
I know Bob Rintz and have had lunch with him in New Orleans where is living. He has also been to my house here in Sarasota, FL.
Ray,this is carl johnson,has been a long times,years have gone fast,the name was Jeff Upp,what a waste of human life.Was happy to see your e-mail,i live in Virginia
Good to hear from you and that you seem to be doing well. When I asked if you still lived in New Mexico I was thinking of someone else. A good friend named Ron Ball. Do you know him? Last time I saw him we were in Bien Hoa getting our assignments. He was very disappointed he went to I Corps. I got mine to team 86 and left the next day. Never saw Ron again. So how are things? Just enjoying life at the moment. I belong to a veterans group. A casual group. Most of us were in Vietnam. We meet twice a month for lunch. Just because we can! Good group.
I was CO of MAT III-26 from 1970-1 in Can Douc and Can Giuoc Districts in Long An Province Vietnam. I am looking to make contact with members of my team & sister MAT III-74::
SFC Charles Collins, 1LT Joseph J. Makowski Jr., 1Lt Petterson, SFC Brese, 1Lt Matthew J. Whittall III (my CO), SSG “Doc”John S. Himmelheber . I am in contact with SGT. Robert L. Pelloux &.
Sister MAT III-74 1LT Thomas Walsh, SFC “Doc” Fish, SFC Gibbs, Sgt Beaver, SFC Pollack
PSA of LONG AN Province during our time there was MAJ Grant.
Clarence
I remember you now. You were RTO in Tan an. I remember you as a tall, very likable person. Sargent E-5. I can remember your voice on the radio. It was very nice to know you were linked to the higher ups. More and more is coming back to me now. NEAT!
I wish my memories were a little better. There was an RTO from Tan An named Up or Upp spec 4 or E-5 who was killed in our last encounter with the NVA 520 Bn Hq does anyone remember his first name? I was out on the same op the day it happened but on the other side of the river. Was some heavy fire that day.
His name is Jeff Upp. I remember him well. I was the awards and decorations clerk with Team 86 at the time. I had the honor of writing the details of his actions and death for his medal recommendation. I will always remember Jeff as one whose death epitomized the shear waste of lives during that war. May he Rest in Peace.
I was also there when Col. Gray was killed. Also remember SSG Charles Battles. He died at Saigon hospital from wounds received on patrol. Don’t remember what district. Both good men.
I was with C E Battles when he was blown up by booby trap and severely wounded on patrol in the Plain of Reeds with RF company from Tan Tru. .SFC Battles died soon after in III field hospital in Saigon in July, 69. He was a professional soldier and proud of it. I was a MAT team leader and the special action team leader in tan tru district.. The special action teams were put together by Col Gray in Mar 69..
Hi Ray, My name is Dave Cook and I served with Sgt Chas.E. Battles in C 1/327 in ’65-’66. I went over in July ’65 on the boat with the First Brigade, 101st Abn and came in Nov.’66. We were both in the Wpns. Plt. as mortar men. He was a squad leader and I was FDC/RTO. He was a great guy and had a sense of humor that we remember. He was a tad heavy when he arrived from Ft. Bragg. We went to the field soon after he came and we stayed out over a week eating sparingly. We came back to the rear area and were going swimming and he had peeled off his fatigues shirt and stood sort of flexing and looking at his belly. He said “Cook, check me out, I’m neat around the waist as a wasp and big across the chest like a Budweiser hoss.” I left in July ’66 and did write him letter but never got a reply. It wasn’t until 30 years later that I saw the book of names on the Vn Mem. and there he was. It jumped out of the page at me and I was upset. The same thing happened w/ another guy I knew. Anyway, I always wanted to communicate with someone who knew him after our tour with the “Always First Brigade,” (as a loyal trooper I’m supposed to add that.) I taught school-H.S. and college for 45 years and am now retired and live in Maine. I hope all is well with you and if you were a friend of Charles Battles you are a friend, “Above the Rest!” Dave
Hi Dave..I didn’t know Charles well. Only saw him a few times if he happened to come by admin in Tan An. As the awards and decorations clerk for team 86, I had to write up his decoration recommendation upon his death. As it was for all recommendations of this nature, it was a sad task. But I was honored to have been involved. Some tasks one just never forgets. I currently live in San Jose, California with my two sons and two grandsons. My wife of 44 years recently passed away so life has changed. She wrote to me in Viet Nam at the request of my sister who was her childhood friend. She sent me a type-written letter with the word “hi” in the middle of the page. I returned it after I changed the “i” to and “e” and added “llo”. Lead to the happiest 44 years of my life. Take care my friend and welcome home.
Ray
Darrell I was in Can Douc District. Was on radio a lot but I was actually Revolutionary Development advisor at first then was RF/PF advisor after that. I remember being at your compound and did have contact with your team.
Carl,remember,aug 68,heavy attack,thanks for everything
Hi Carl, Been a long time. Still in New Mexico?
We were a SRDF team from the 335th RRC in direct support of the 9th infantry Division and were in the PF compound in the village of Can Duoc when the village came under attack From a VC/NVA force. It was the early morning hours of 11 Nov 1967. Advisors from team 86 were located elsewhere in the village. I’m looking to find out where exactly the PF compound was.(I.e. West side, east side, etc.). I believe the team radio operator was named Joe and at the time of the attack only had his boots, under ware and radio on. The VC booby trapped the advisors hooches. There was also a Sargent who when passing the compound after things had died down who thought we were dead. I also met a major later near the dispensary but don’t remember his name. Any info would be appreciated.
Robert, did you know any of the Advisors in Tan Tru? Our call sign was Foxy Spooner 10. I am trying to get names of my teammates. The SA was Major Alonzo D. Foote. He died recently and is buried in Arlington. Tried to contact him prior to his death but was informed he had Alzheimer’s. The Asst SA was Capt Hill ((NFI). I was the O and I Advisor. Can’t recall the name of my RTO or Vn interpreter. Do you remember ant friendly fire incidents in Tan Tru that involved a military air strike that killed one of our counterparts families that was in a river boat which was blown out of the river. If you can remember any of Tan Tru Advisors between 86-87 please email me at wattshawaii@aol.com.
Warren,
I didn’t know any of the advisors at Tan Tru. I was at Tan Tru,but in support of the 9th Infantry. I was with the 335th Radio Research Company and assigned to a two man short range directional finding team.
Bob
Robert if its is any conciliation for you I was in Can Douc from 69-71 and in 70 we captured the last of the 520 NVA Battalion HQs. We dad it down to where there were no NVA in the district and had the VC under control. My first tour was pretty crazy the second one we didn’t have to worry a lot
.
I was on MAT III 26 in Can Douc and Can Giuoc District from 5/70-4/71. I closed the team down in 3/71. I was with Bill Polloux. (See above)
Steve – Creeping toward the finish line.It was a
long war.- BK
Was back a few years ago. Tan An is now a bustling Saigon suburb. Could not find the old advisory compound. Lotsa government stuff now behind high walls. People very friendly.
I served as radio operator in Tan An from Sep 1969 to Sep 1970. I served with Jim Smalley for a while and Will Utsey. It is amazing what I don’t remember about my tour. I am planning a trip there soon. I hope to see where I was housed and worked. If any one has been back there at Tan An. I would appreciate in info you could give me.
I was CO of MAT III 26 stationed in Can Duoc District, Long An Provence. Were you on duty the night of 20 July 70 when our compound was attacked at midnight?
Darrell I remember a little about that night I was in district HQ. I believe we came out there one day around then and I remember shrapnel flying around.
Darrell didn’t you guys radio go out that night and you had to meet someone at the 2×4 bridge to get another radio?
Clarence, Sorry for the late reply. Memory is getting foggy and I do not remember our radio problems. I do remember Lt Whittall diving out the front door with the radio in hand. He may have broke it? I do not remember.
Hi Lane. Were you at the main compound in Tan An? I remember an unkept soccer field in front and the province chief’s residence nearby. The main admin building for team 86 was located near the chief’s residence in August 68 when I arrived. It was later moved to a small building in the village. I left in October 70. Crossed paths with many good guys during that time.
Ortiz, did you work with Scott May in Admin? I was operating the TOC Radio network across driveway from Province Chiefs house and was housed with May for a while. Also a guy named Coutchie. Ring a bell, ding ding
HI Jim. Yes I do remember Scott. If I’m correct he arrived sometime in 1970. I left in October of ’70. Are you in touch with Scott?
Just an added note about Scott. As I was leaving the compound by jeep on my way to Bien Hoa headed home, I turned for one last look at the compound. Scott was standing there with a smile. Never forget him. Last person I saw from team 86.
Hi, Ray I haven’t been on this site for a while. Yes I was at the main compound and in front was a soccer field. We used to have football game out there once in a while, and I think we even had a couple of BBQ’s out there too. I remember a bunch of geese running around out around there and they were as mean as all get out. If you saw them you had to go way around them. I wonder if the compound is even there any more.
my name is John Kretzmer I was with team 86 -71/72 Ben Luc ,Long An Provice HQ, and NamCam(solid anchor).
Stan Ifshin’s e-mail is sifshin@aol.com. He knows more than most.
BK
Served with macv tm 86,from sept 68 till nov 69,col gray was our commander,great bunch of guys,never regreted any of it,carl johnson
believe my father Charles Yount would have been there about the same time, he returned home Dec 69.. He was with MILPHAP 555 and Adv team 86. I stumbled on this website because I was trying to figure out what the initials on his beret meant.
Diana,
I remember your Dad, he always had a positive and “can do” attitude.
You can be proud of his accomplishments,
J Fred Oliver
Fred, tell me more . Something specific. To share w his grandkids…
Hi! Names Scott Harris in Olathe,ks. Was with the 555th in 67 and 68 in Tan AN. Combat Corpsman with the Air Force. Harrisscott36@yahoo.co.
My name is Scott Harris, 555th MSF, advisory team #86. USAF Sgt 67-68 tet offensive Tan An. Ran radiology there.
harrisscott 36@yahoo.com
My name is Gail Mell, I was with The 1st 555 MSF that started in 5/66, I left in 5/67. CPT Kalan was team. leader @ that time…
Gail, this is Jack Miller. My email is jmillerc@peoplepc.com.
Just found this site.
I served in ThuThua from May 1968 till about May ’69 with Richard Stone, John Baugh, Grand Buehrig and others. Before that I had been an Armored Cav Platoon Ldr. but in Thu Thua my responsibilities were night Ops with my PRU mercenaries and day Ops with my teammates and local VN forces. It was a long time ago but as I look back on it, I was privileged to serve with my teammates (we were part of Team 86…although remote) and also privileged to know Col. Gray.
Richard, I have a list of some former AT-86 advisors. Some from Thu Thua District. If you would like the list email me .junglecruiser335@gmail.com
Richard,
Thanks to Pat Hearn’s efforts we have had a fun get together. Pat Also shared some photos, I think you were in several. It was fun sharing MACV, and the 47 years since.
You should make contact with both of us.
Col. Gray should be remembered by all of us the Memorial Day.
Best,
J Fred Oliver
Fred@assetpropertygroup.com
My name is Scott Seawel and I was assigned to 555MILPHAP in Tan An from Nov 68 -Jul 69. Anyone remember MILPHAP?
Yes, Sgt. Scott Harris, 67/68 555th MILPHAP. Radiology. Olathe, Kansas.
913-237-3993 cell harrisscott36@yahoo.com
You guys did great work and took tour jobs very seriously. Thanks.
Contact me! Scott Harris ,Olathe KS.
555th 67/68 90250 x-ray.
Bruce,
This may help indirectly … Major Simpson replaced Major Sweeney as Team 86 Can Duoc subsector CO. This was approx March of 1969. As the local 5 I helped to get Major Simpson transitioned but I have not kept in touch. Hope this helps in some way to track him down. On a separate note, I am trying to locate Joseph F. Oliver ( Fred Oliver ) who commented in June on the Team 86 blog site. I left him a message on the blog but if he is not logging in or subscribed to the email connection he will not see it. Is there a a way for the blog site master to connect me to Fred ? Good luck on the book .. I have tons of photos and stories to tell if you want to connect. I am at nwe9000@gmail.com or you can call me at 978-263- 4721 in Massachusetts.
– Pat Hearn
Pat do you know which Major in Can Duoc was from Kentucky and loved his Wild Turkey. It wasn’t Simpson but was before or after not sure which. He also got us a boston whaler from the Navy at the mouth of the river with an 85hp motor on it. We used to water ski in our spare time.
MAT 26 used that whaler to good effect trading off the USS Sphinx for steaks. They were wonderful people (OR thought our stuff was wonderful). This was a time when Lt Tom Walsh was CO—I think.
Can anyone help me find Colonel Gray’s Ops Officer, a Major SIMPSON? Any help greatly appreciated.
Try…
robinreston@verizon.net
My name is Scott Seawel. I was with the 555 MILPHAP at Tan An from Nov 68 to July 69. We worked in what was loving called a TanAn hospital. Wish I could remember everyones name. I mostly remember that it seemed like my name would never move up the chain of names at the bar.
Randall Stewart — Just found this web site. I was Advisory Team 86 in Tan An in Aug ’68 to Aug ’69 – I was a clerk typist for the team. Sgt Orange, Ray Ortiz, and Jim Ahnlund are some of the names that I remember. Would love to hear from anyone there during this time.
Randy ,i was there with you and jim,ray,dennis
Hay Randy. This is Ray Ortiz. Been a long time. Are you still in Medina, Tennessee? Remember when I asked to say wolf and woof one after the other. Both words sounded so similar Sgt. Orange asked “who you barking at?”
Hi, Clarence. I’m in toiuch with Rob Gehring, who was with you for a time in Can Duoc. He’s in Reston VA.
I am in Jackson MN is Rob on facebook?
Clarence, I remember you, I ran radio NET control in the Sector TOC in Tan An next to Province Chiefs house 3/70 to 12/70.. Your sending initials charlie foxtrot hotel? Jim Smalley RTO
lakeluvers@charter.net
I was at Tan Tru District, AT 86, 1966-1967. DSA was MAJ Alonzo D. Foote. ADSA was CPT Tom Hill. I was Opns and Intell Advisor.
I was in Can Duoc 69-71 District headquarters. any one else out there?
Hi Clarence,
I think we may have just missed each other. I was at team 86 Can Douc Subsector approximately Apr 68 to Apr 69. You can reach me at nwe9000@gmail.com or 978-263-4721. Our lead was Major Patrick Sweeney who left just before I did. He was replaced by a Major Simpson who was probably in charge when you were there. Also you may have overlapped with Spec 5 Moses T Siregar the RTO. I was able to reach Moses T Siregar a few years ago .. an interesting story there.
Please get in touch.
– Patrick Hearn
I was there during the time Maj Simpson was, I don’t remember names Yi was our interpreter. I was there for about 20 months.
Clarence,
Have you maintained contact with Maj Simpson?
If so, please reach out to him with my regards.
Best,
J Fred Oliver
Clarence, my name is Bill Pelloux. I was a sgt with MATIII-26 just up the road from Can Duoc outside of Cho Tram. I am in regular contact with my then Lt. Darrell Goss. I was there for only a few months when the team was disbanded. Am also in contact with Thach Ngoc Nguyen, our interpreter whom worked for different teams and now lives in Lowell, Mass. Time from was 1971.
PS Interesting enough, all around our compound has been developed according the google maps however the motes are still visible from satellite images. Thach’s daughter has since been there and took pictures of it and email them to us.
Hope this helps. We may have met as we would come to Can Duoc once in a while.
Bill
Hi Bill,
You will see a few of my posts on the Team 86 Website. I would be very interested in getting in touch with our Can Duoc interpreter, a Mr. Yi, and would like to contact Thach Ngoc Nguyen who you mentioned, Do you have contact information on him that you could pass along ? If you prefer not to post publicly you can send to my private email nwe9000@gmail.com.
Thanks, Pat Hearn
Team 86 Can Duoc 1968-69
Patrick, I talked with Thach today and he said the best way to contact him is via instant message on Facebook. If you search for Thach Ngoc Nguyen then you should find him. His English is very, very difficult to understand, it’s not what it was. Good luck
I was over there 3 times about 3 years ago. Can Duoc is a thriving upper scale place now got to go for 1 month twice and 2 weeks once.
. I was there for almost 2 tours ending in 71 when they started the pull out. First tour I was RD advisor 2nd tour I was RFPF advisor
I remember your team didn’t you build a bridge on the way out to the French Fort where the big guns were?
We helped built a bridge in “Ap Rock Kin”.
HI BILL!! Just found this site! Brings back memories.
Google south vietnam 1968 555 milphap for a peek at Long An Provincein 1968. Some names of people in the video were Soloman, Sutton, Brown, & Ducharme.
contact me, Sgt. Scott A. Harris, 555th MSF, Advisory Team 86 67–68
at harrisscott36@yahoo..com
Olathe, Kansas
Assigned to 555 MILPHAP Tan An 68-69. Would like to contact anyone from 555 in that time frame if you know of any.
Doug – I’d like the list, please. Thanks for doing this.
I served with AT 86 at Tan Tru District between 1966-1967. MAJ Alonzo D. Foote was the DSA, CPT Tom Hill ((NFI) was the ADSA, SSG Warren L. Watts was the Opns & Intell Adv, SSG Bachsi
“T” (NFI), was the medic, and the RTO was a young white male (NFI). The Tan Tru District Chief was CPT Truong-Ngoc Than. My counterpart was LT Rung (NFI), Cdr, 763rd RF Company, who was KIA during a river boat operation. I lost contact with all of my Teammates after leaving Vietnam in 1967. I eventually established contact with MAJ Foote but he could not remember any of the other teammates other than myself. If anybody can help me locate my other teammates I would be most grateful.
I’ve sanitized my AT-86 list. If any former advisor or family member would like this list email me. I,m always looking for more names to add to the AT-86 list. junglecruiser335@gmail.com
Hello Doug, I was a member of AT – 86 from April 1967-May 1968. Serve in Bien Luc, Rach Kien. Was the
Medic on our 5 Man Team would love any info that you might be able to share from that time frame.
SSG Hugh Williams, e-mail: hwilliamssr@nc.rr.com
Richard – I’m forwarding your note to Stan Ifshin, a civilian who served in Thu Thua 1968-70. I visited Thu Thua in 2006. It was the same colorful place as when we were in Long An. People have returned to the abandoned villages out on the Plain of Reeds. It’s worth going back!
Bruce, in your research what particulars did you find regarding the death of Col. Asa P. Gray? I was the Thu Thus ADSA and in Thu Thua the day he was KIA and have read conflicting accounts.
I was on Team 86, Thu Thua District, July 68-69, as ADSA. Other team members I keep in contact with are John Baugh, Richard Sutliffe and Grant Buehrig. Would like to hear from anyone who was assigned to Thu Thua
Stone,
Maj Sweeney was my CO. I had a team in late ’68 and early ’69. Sgt Collins and Billingsly were on my team. Do you ave contact with any of these fellows.
Joseph F Oliver
Joseph,
Its good to know you are alive and well. We were together in Can Duoc Subsector, Long An province in approx 1968. I recall we scavanged perforated steel planking in our jeep to help you get your bunker set up. You can reach me at nwe9000@gmail.com or 617-240-5148. I would like to send you a team photo and catch up.
-Pat Hearn
Gary Johnson Sgt
Thu Thua June 68 till June 69
Tarcan@aol.com
I am Scott Seawel. I was assigned to 555 MILPHAP, TanAn, VN from Nov 68 til Jul 69. Would love to hear from anyone from that time frame. luvmyboots2000@yahoo.com
I have, after decades of searching, turned up Steven GRAY, who was an infant when his father, COL Asa Parker Gray, was killed in Thu Thua while serving as Province Senior Advisor. I am planning a luncheon for Mr. Gray this spring, in or near Washington. If you’d like to come, let me know.
Bruce Kinsey
brucekinsey@hotmail.com
I was serving with macv tm 86 when col gray was killed,a very good person,always remember his name was serving in tan an provincen, carl johnson
Hi Bruce,
Just found this web site while playing with the computer.
I was with the MILPHAP team assigned to Tan An from Jan. 68 to Jan 69. Arrived about 3 weeks before Tet. Welcome to Vietnam!!!!
We worked in the Vietnamese Hospital and did some MEDCAPS throughout the province. I suppose it was a Hearts and Minds thing. Maybe we won some hearts but not sure about the minds.
Good luck with your book. Feel free to contact me
Richard Millenbach
Richard – For the book I’m doing on pacification, I need accounts of service with MILPHAP and descriptions of Medcaps, etc. Would you like to write a page or two???
Bruce Kinsey brucekinsey@hotmail.com
I served on Team 86 for over two years, first in Can Giuoc District and then as head of NLD in Tan An. I’m writing a book about the pacification program, to be called GOOD GUYS: The Quiet Americans Who Tried to Pacify Vietnam. Contributions welcome! I am also trying to locate the family of COL Asa Parker Gray, Jr., our PSA who was killed in action in May 1969. Any help would be welcome.
Keep the faith,
Bruce Kinsey
CORDS I
Is your book ready or published? Steve Bakkum, CORDS Team 42, Binh Dinh 69-70
Bruce, I’m Rob (Bob) Weamer Jr., and I was an RTO with Teamm 99 our of Duc Hoa from Jan. 1969 to Oct. 1969 when I transferred to Cần Giuộc to work with Maj. Moss at TOC in a house that served as our HQ. Did you know him and, if so, what can you share with me?
Thanks…
Rob
Bob –
Sorry – just found your messagwe. I did not know Maor Moss, nor his predecessor, Malor Neely (sp??) Can Giuoc was tough turn when I arrived in April ’68, Nearly everything across the river was VC. But Larry Crandall, my successor, made solid strides.there and elsewhere in the district. I waas back in ’06 to find the place a gfar-out suburb of Saigon, but still quite recognizable. Hardly so Tan An, How were things in CG when you were there?
Bruce….
I wasn’t in Can Giuoc more than 30 days when I transfer to Clark AB in the P.I. for the remaining 2 months of my tour when I DEROSed home in December 1969. As I recall, our duty station was in a very small house which served as MACV HQ for the Team. During those last days, we three Comms guys worked 8 to 10 hour shifts in the TOC to maintain comms and provided air and ground support for the field teams. I mostly remember that many of the OPS resulted in firefights with joint 9th Inf. and the MACV teams as well as some NAVY PBR’s.
In that regard, I had very little free time to socialize or roam around Can Giuoc and get in trouble. What got me transferred to the P.I. was a second bout with malaria that put me in Tan Son Nhut Hospital for 3 days. When I returned, Maj. Moss sent me into MACV HQ at Tan Son Nhut to interview with Maj. Gen. Townsend, Chief of Staff-MACV for that open position at Clark AB. I got the job and spent the next 75+ days eating good food and enjoying the rest of my tour.
That’s it in a nutshell……
Rob
Bob –
You’ll be pleased to know that in the twilight of the Republic of Vietnam, Long An gave a good account of itself. Later documents from North Vietnam struggled hard to account for the Revolution’s lack of success during the final years of the war in both Long An and, of all places, Hau Nghia .In particular the RF in Long An fought on ’til the end.