MACV Team 91 – Binh Duong.
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MACV Teams 
Nicely said John. Proud to have served with you and to be able to call you my brother and friend. However…I believe you still owe me a beer from back in August 1971. Remember? 🙂
I believe that you owe me one but if we meet on the trail you will definitely not have to buy. I want to wish you and Jo a great veteran’s day. I will be thinking of you but you came home before me. Later my brother!!!
To Brock and Lofgren:
Good to exchange greetings and some Brotherhood that few can understand. I’d like to be able to buy both of you some beers. It was an honor to have served with you.
John Swatosh (then CPL Swatosh the Phung Hoang/Phoenix guy)
Hi Guys, I imagine we are all scattered over the US. It would be great to meet up again sometime. I live in the LA area if anyone happens to be in the area.
Michael, I think you have gotten the wrong Tm 91. We are aMACV advisory team 91. I believe that you are looking for a ex member of 91 Charlie. You need 91 Charlie that has nothing to do with team 91 Charlie. Maybe you can go to your VA and get the information you need from them. All I can tell you is every person that was over there is a Hero. You may be able to find something on paper, old letters or if he went to the VA for help and any checks that he received. Glad to see that you are trying to learn more about his time in Hell. John Brock tm 91
Brock:
Well said.
John Swatosh Team 91 member ’71-’72
Swatosh I have been meaning to ask you if it was you and Rto Doyle that I took the picture of with my dog, Kenny.
Brock: I don’t think it was me that took the picture. I do remember the “Gosney Dogs”. They used to sit with me when I stood perimeter guard. My favorite dog wass “Tripod” the three-legged dog.
John
Hello, My name is Michael Bodeen. My step brother served as a medial doctor in Special Forces and spent time with 91 Charlie in V.Nam. He participated in rescues from Cambodia and Laos. He passed away years ago…and I have missed him. I am looking for anyone who might have known him there…and know something about what he did….or information about how I can learn more about his time there. When he returned, he was never the same…and his time there really had an effect on his life. He will always be my hero.
I served in Adv Team 91 in 1969-1970 on a
MAT in Ben Cat & Tri-Tam Districts. My last 4 months I was Adv arm S-4. I recall the Team Supply Sgt was SFC Latham. Outstanding person.
Did anyone serve in that period?
Bill Lappin
Im William Schmidt served tm 91 from September 70 to April 72 as rto, with maj phillips phu giao, maj lawrance tri tam was kia September 16 71 with capt wells and sgt boulware ( sgt doughetry) ( sp). Was wia any one know if he survived? This was my team
Smitty send me a friend request. I got hacked and lost all my contacts. We need to keep in touch because we are not getting any younger.
Hi le
Hey leon how you doing? Im doing ok takeing pills like every one else. Been doing some field work lately. Still snow banks in tree rows etc. let me know what’s happening, are you still working
William, did you know the S2 before you left Team 91? I think his first name was Mark (last name forgotten) and he was a Captain. I thought I tracked someone down who lived in FL and was a car dealership owner who had Vietnam service. He was deceased a few years ago and would have been the right age but somehow I lost the info I had on him.
I was the DIOCC advisor
I do not remember him as i spent most of my time at phu giao and tri tam the last year i was there. Thanks for responding hope you are doing well
Hi, this is Larry Gale. I was in the Team 91 S-2 from February 1971 to December 1971. I was recruited by Lt. Wojtanowicz (sp) who was the S-2 until about May ’71. Then Capt. Rutland came in. He was the S-2 until I left in December ’71. John Swatosh worked with his successor until about May of ’72 during the big Spring Offensive by the NVA. The Team was winding down rapidly by then.
I’m James J. Hudson, my father Hal Hudson served as a 1st Lt. with Advisory Team 91 from May 1969 to May 1970. He was a hero, and was awarded two bronze stars.
Your father was before my time on the team, but he was a hero and a comrade in arms. His service should always be honored and your family should have pride for his contributions to the country.
James, can you provide more details? I was a member of the team during that period.
His Bronze Star citation says that Hal was part of Mobile Advisory Team III-3, Ben Cat District, Binh Duong Province, and worked with Regional Forces Control Group 3/62. At the top it says that he was with “Adv Tm 91.” Among some of the items in his scrapbook, are some memorabilia for a memorial service he attended on September 7, 1969 in honor of 1st Lt. Richard Arnovitz, who had been killed in action, who was also with Advisory Team 91. Hope this helps!
I just caught this thread – my brother was 1Lt Mike Arnovitz. We were given pictures of his memorial service.
Oh, on the differences in his name: His name was Richard Michael Arnovitz but he always went by his middle name – Michael / Mike
So nice to hear from you Tony! When I was going through my dad’s scrapbook, I looked up 1st Lt. Arnovitz, and found his Silver Star citation at valor.militarytimes.com/hero/101003, and wondered if it had been awarded posthumously. He was a hero! My dad never mentioned or as far as I’m aware, maintained much connections with people he served with in Vietnam or elsewhere when he was in the Army. But I know he must have thought highly of your brother and his sacrifice, because he chose to include the memory of him in his scrapbook.
Yes, he was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. His son, that he never saw, grew up to become a Naval Officer. It is just so hard to believe that was all over half a century ago.
I met Mike at infantry Officer Basic course at Ft. Benning, GA in 1968. He showed me a picture of his family. Later in 1969, I was assigned to MAC V, Advisory Team 91 on a Mobile Advisory Team. Attended Mike’s memorial service and was so sorry to hear he was killed in action. Bill Lappin Lappincapital@yahoo.com
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I knew Mike and went to Infantry Basic with him. Nice guy. Was in Advisory Team 91 1969-70. Went to his memorial service.
Thanks for that information, James. I believe your dad and I worked some joint operations. I was the Senior Advisor (Captain) of MAT lll-6 in the adjacent district of the same province. I joined the team in December 1969, coming directly from a tour with the First Cavalry Division.
Smitty baby, I got hacked and had to start over again and lost all of my friends and passwords, plus money and have no idea the total cost.If you think it is easy trying to re-start your accounts after you have told them that you were hacked. I have missed your craziness. Brock
Terry was you a rto at base camp? If you are the one I’m thinking about you loved Nabraska football. I always thought your name was Mars. You would have to be close to 80 now. I am 72 and I damn sure hope you are him. You would never forget the generator guy who was a Oklahoma or Texas man. His name is Cobb and stayed drunk about half the time or more.
Sorry to disappoint, but that was not me. I was the Team Leader of MAT lll-6 south of Ben Cat. Hope you are doing well, buddy.
I was a member of MACV Team 91 from September ’71 to April ’72 when I was transferred to the 525 MI Group. Does anyone know what happened to Team 91 and the Gosney Compound after April 1972? I understand it was in a wind down phase but …..
JOHN sWATOSH
John, we must have missed each other on Team 91 as I was assigned there April 72. Worked in intel shop and also team mail clerk. Not sure of the timing, but yes, team drawing down and I was transferred to a MAC-V unit at Long Binh. I remember the night before cease-fire went into effect Jan 27th that we all thought North Vietnamese would bombard the hell out of the base. Fortunately, all was quiet. Advisors were hustled out of there quick and I left country about Feb 10th. Did you know a LT. Ahern and/or SSG Daniel LeMay from the 525 Gp?
Great to hear from you Anthony. This is Larry Gale. I was on Team 91 from Feb ’71 to Dec ’71 as the S-2 Intel Analyst and also filling in for mail room duty. I guess you were my successor in the S-2 shop. John Swatosh and I were on the team at the same time and always wondered how it wound down. So you left Feb ’73? What happened to the Vietnamese employees on the compound as the team shrunk? Look forward to hearing from you.
Hey there, I was a 1LT, MAT III-104 in Ben Cat – got my ticket punched back to the world on 3FEB71 on a joint op with 11th Cav – met up with my DSA, MAJ Osimo a couple of years ago and got some details – any after-action info from you end ?
Hello Mac,
Larry Gale here. We must have passed by each other over the Pacific. Feb ’71 I was just going back to Vietnam for my tour with Team 91. I had been with Team 70 at Lai Khe the previous year. All of ’71 for me was pretty quiet. People left and weren’t replaced. I started working with Lt. Wojtanowicz (sp?) in S-2. Did you meet him? We built a new concrete swimming pool that was greatly enjoyed by all. John Swatosh can fill you in on the Phung Hoang VCI activity. Thankfully no rocket or sapper attacks. I remember hearing some rockets hit Phu Loi down the road in the middle of the night. Seems like the NVA/VC were rebuilding for the big show in ’72. I got a drop and was gone by Christmas ’71. Great to here from another team member.
Hi Mac … Carl Farren here. I served with Advisory Team 70 from 2Oct67 to 2May69 and was on ARVN 5th Inf Div 8th Regiment and Battalion field Teams during the 68Tet and 69Tet Counteroffensives. During 68Tet I was a RTO and during 69Tet I was a Light Weapons Sergeant. I’m currently in contact with several Officers and Sergeants that I served with. Last year I Amazon Self-Published my Vietnam Memoir, Combat Advisor to Army of Republic of Vietnam. It contains a brief history of Upper III Corps prior to my arrival on 2Oct67, accounts of the Lam Son (Gosney Compound) and Ben Cat area at the start of 68Tet, and accounts of ARVN RIF Ops and ARVN and U.S. combined RIF Ops. See some of my Posts on Advisory Team 70. I believe our advisory service is of historical importance.
Larry … Carl Farren here … I also like to know what happened to the Vietnamese employees that worked in the Messhall, etc. at Gosney Compound. I initially was assigned to Advisory Team 70 on 2Oct67, then joined a field Team as RTO at the start of 68Tet on 1Feb68, extended my Tour to be the Sergeant of Guard at Headquarters Gosney Compound, and was reassigned as a field Team Light Weapons Advisor at the start of the 69Tet. I have a Christmas (67 or 68) pic of the Messhall Servers and some pics of Gosney Compound, 67-69. I’ll share the pics if you get me an email address via Facebook.
Hi Carl, Let me try to hook up with you on Facebook. I am interested in anything to do with Team 70 and 91. It was a life changing experience.
Larry … I’ll try to Friend you on Facebook so we can message email addresses. Too risky on internet. I’m now in contact with Zippo who took over the command of Loc Ninh border camp when it was attacked and lost in 1972. He was captured and held in Cambodia.
Larry .. Tried last night to Friend you on FB. Too many Larry Gale. Which State do you live in and about how many friends do you have? I unfortunately live in California and have about 230 Friends. I’m a retired Design Engineer.
Anthony: Thank you for replying. It seems like we just missed each other.
Larry Gale asked one of my questions. I havbe always wondered what happened to the Vietnamese employees tht worked in the club and mess hall. They were very nice people and I worried about what happened to them after the VC/NVA took over.
I was a Counter Intelligence Agent and was assigned to the McCarrick Compound of the 525 MI Group Counter Inelligence office. Where were LT Ahern and SSG LeMay assigned? The name LT Ahern looks familiar.
Do you recall any of the Phung Hoang Special Intel guys CPT Bayse, 1LT Luger or 1LT Suzuki?
John
Anthony: Sorry it took so log for me to respond. I vaguely remember 1LT Ahern and SSG LeMay. Where in the 525 MI Group did they serve? After my Team 91 duty, I was TDY (ten days) at the MACV HQ office of the 525 and then served in the 525 CID/PSI office in Saigon.
I often think about and worry about the Vietnamese workers at the Gosney compound and how they survived our leaving them.
I was Deputy District Advisor in Phu Hoa from Jul ’70 to May ’71. I think many of us wonder about the fate of counterparts after we left. We can learn some from those who served after us up until the end in ’75 but then what. Has anyone identified any sources for that information?
Mike, in July of 1970 do you recall seeing a 110′ Tower in the corner of the PhuHoaDong ARVN compound? If so do you have any pictures of the tower and the compound at that time? Bob
The question of a tower at Phu Hoa Dong has come up on this site before. Strangely, I have no recollection of it. I can speculate that it might have been an observation tower for the artillery fire base of the 25th Inf Div out of nearby Cu Chi that was in Phu Hoa Dong until they sent the 25th home at the end of 1970.
Hi, my name is Bill Lofgren and was with tm 91 from June 69-Aug.71 I spent 18 months on the Chau Thanh district tm. then Tri Tam from March 71-May or June 71 and left country in August 71. I have a number of posts on this site. I have pictures of Co Van (S-3) and Tim Nguyen (PSA’s ARVN Interpreter) while in country, and of them, me, and their three children having dinner in San Diego in 2010. Should you like to see these pictures and any others that I have during my time with Tm.91 contact me: maryland296@gmail.com I will be happy to supply them. Welcome home.
Bill:
Do you remember the MP Jeep SFC Coffman(?) relocated from the Loon Foon Restaurant in Long Binh to the compound with the three bedroom house and concrete comm bunker in Chau Thanh sometime in the September – October 1969 time frame?
Hope you’re well.
Hi Jim, good to hear from you. It’s been awhile.
Yes, I do remember, I also remember stripping the jeep while the Phu Loi Provost Martial was visiting the compound at the same time.? My memory has him and our DSA, (I forget his name) surprising us during the stripping of the lights and siren and asking, jokingly, if we had stolen a jeep? I love that story.
Again it’s good to hear from you. I been wanting to tell you that in 2015 via a long story, I came in contact with Captain David Kuczynskis family. Since then I have become close to their family. There was a shrowd of mystery regarding David’s death and the government was not being forecoming. I was able to help put their family’s concerns to rest and give them some well needed and deserved closer.
I hope you and your family are all doing well and you are in good health. Feel free to contact me: maryland296@gmail.com or 310-600-1849. I live in Florida now and retired in 2020.
Stay safe Jim.
My brother Capt Bernard F Jones served with Mac. Team 91 was KIA Oct 16 67 could any info that people could provide.
Hi Jim, good to hear from you. Yes I do remember that day in the time frame that you posted. I also remember the Phu Loi Provost Martial was at our compound visiting with our senior advisory, ( don’t remember our DSA’s name at that time) and during the stripping of the lights and serein off that jeep, those two came walking over and the PM quite innocently asked, “you guys rip off a jeep?” That SFC you referred to along with SFC Webb mumbled some quick lies and the two majors walked away. Nothing was said then or ever. At least that’s the way I remember it.
It is great to hear from you. The last time we connected back in 2010 I was still living in Southern Calif. Now I’m living in Clearwater Fl. retired from the VA in 2020. I was a Peer Support Specialist working in the Mental Health/PTSD programs both in Los Angeles then later here in Florida. In 2015 via the internet and this site, I was contacted by Chris Newland, nephew of Captain David Kuczynski. Through Chris’s contact, I ended up having the privilege to speak to David’s cousin Narica Newland and David’s sister Betty. I was able to share with them that I was with David the day he was killed and help put some closer to the loss of their heroic loved one and remove the mystery that was shrouding David’s death. Over the years until my involvement, the government was not forthcoming leaving their family in the dark as to the circumstances surrounding David’s death and that he saved my life that day. It has been a powerful and fulfilling experience for all involved. In 2018 I visited the Vietnam Memorial and Capt.’s Ski’s resting place in Arlington. I was finally able to say goodbye to Ski and other team 91 members who didn’t make it home.
Stay safe and well.
Welcome home.
Bill: Good to hear from you. I remember SFC Coffman and I walking out of the Loon Foon and this loaded MP Jeep was just sitting there, waiting to be relocated. He said to me, “the Major always wanted a jeep with a radio…”…he told me to take the “company” Jeep and he would catch up to me…I was just a lowly PFC what was I to do…at about Phu Loi I hear a siren coming up from behind and before I knew it Coffman was flying by me on the left, siren blaring and red lights aflame…by the time I reached the compound the locals had already pretty much stripped everything and already had the damn thing repainted with new numbers…amazing…I have been back to Vietnam nearly two dozen times since 1995…the first visit was with a small delegation of Vietnam vets and we ended up being part of a Repatriation Ceremony in Hanoi when the remains of 6 missing Americans were transferred to US custody…it was a remarkable experience…in 1996 I “adopted” a Vietnamese family in Hanoi…Mum, Dad, and two teenage girls…my wife and I supported them and put them and financed their university education…I was present in Hanoi for the birth of the youngest daughter’s first two children…the third was a surprise for all of us…her husband worked for the US Embassy as a host country Security Guard…in January 2022 they emigrated to the US and live in Roseville, California…my time in Vietnam, both in 1969 and subsequently has been some of the best years of my life…keep the peace.
Willie.s48@icloud.com
Good evening. My name is Douglas Wright II. My father, whom I am named after, served on the 91st team and was gravely wounded while at Ben Cat during the Tet Offensive. If you search this group you can see several comments he left in 2017 and 2018. Dad passed away in 2019. It wasn’t until after his death, while going through papers he had kept, that we learned a lot more about what happened to him from the time he stepped foot in Vietnam through the injuries he sustained on the evening of January 31, 1968, to his recovery at Walter Reed, and when he returned home to Oneida, NY.
While he was immensely proud of serving his country my dad did not talk much about his service. He always said that it wasn’t possible to understand unless you had been there.
Dad was born and raised in Oneida, NY. He died after a short illness in August 2019. He lived a good life. He was married to my mother until his death (~42 years), had five children, and 10 grandchildren.
If anyone has any photos of my father I would love to see them. If you were in Ben Cat during the Tet Offensive attack I would also be interested in hearing your story if you are willing and able to share it.
Hi Doug! I was not at Ben Cat when it was attacked on night of 31Jan68 (Start of 68 Tet). The afternoon of the next day (1Feb68), I replaced (at the Trung An PF Outpost) the Advisory Team 70 8th Regiment Team’s RTO that was wounded at Ben Cat that night. Was your father with 1st Infantry Divisions Artillery gun crew at Ben Cat? Or, was your father part of the Ben Cat District MACV Advisory Team?
Hi Carl. My father was part of MACV Advisory Team 91 and was at Ben Cat on January 31, 1968. Based on his fatigues he was part of a SOG. If you search our name on this page you can see posts that he made on this website back in 2017 or 18.
Doug … I just released my RVN Memoir (2Oct67-2May69) as RTO and Light Weapon Sergeant assigned to Advisory Team 70 in Binh Duong Province. Team 70 Headquarters Detachment was at Lam Son then moved north to Lai Khe in 1970 and Team 91 moved into Lam Son Gosney Compound. My Memoir, “Combat Advisor to Army Republic Vietnam …. 68 Tet & 69 Tet Counteroffensives” includes major battle history in late 67, Team 70’s liaison mission between U.S, units and ARVN units, and accounts of MACV Advisors radio calling and directing U.S. Artillery, Gunships, F-4 Bombing, and MedEvac’s In support of ARVN units they were assigned too. On Amazon if you are interested. Just sharing MACV Field Team Advisory effort because of its historical importance. Author: Carl A. Farren
Hi Carl, I saw the cover of your book on Amazon. You look like one bad dude. There are several Carl Farren’s on Facebook. I think I tried to contact the wrong one because I got no reply. How many ‘friends’ do you have so I can get the right one.
Igale … I use the same photo of me in 1968 op on the cover of Memoir book and FB Page. Several Farren’s, but only one photo of Carl Farren in Vietnam jungle fatigues in both places.
Carl: Good for you, writing memoirs. I did the same, “97-BRAVO”. I did it as part of PTSD therapy. Not sure that worked but at least it lead to my getting a book published. Where can I get a copy of your book?
John
Hello, my name is Danielle and I am the daughter of Duane Millwood. I found an old picture of him from Vietnam and on the back it says:
MACV Team 91, III corps
Dau Tieng, Vietnam 1968
Found your page googling the info to learn more.
Wishing you all a happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service.
Ms. Cefalo,
I did not know your father nor did I serve with his advisory team in Cau Tieng but am taking liberty to thank you for your kind wishes, as well as obvious love of your Father. My primary purpose in writing is to warn you against believing so much of the nonsense and garbage written and filmed about Viet Nam. This is NOT to deny any of the bad things. It is to say there was arguably a moral as well as pragmatic for our effort to STOP Hanoi’s war. I was there for just under three months and was in frequent contact with advisory teams in southern half of Viet Nam. I served with some of the finest people one could ever hope to meet. Please, please do not believe the abundant distortions of the whole affair.
Thank you. God bless you.
Bill Laurie
Well said, Mr. Bill Laurie.
On my second tour in RVN, I served with the 2nd Civil Affairs Company, with detail to Team 91. I was there from Sep (?) 70 to my DEROS in January 71, when I left for Taiwan to pick up my family and then move to Bangkok. Some of the people I remember was a Maj. Finney, LTC Chakala, and a guy named Robert Orsay (?) who was a former employee of Lee Iaccoca as I recall. Another fellow was the son-in-law of Sheppard the astronaut (?) I wrote about some of my exploits with Team 91 players in my book.
To all, may the blessings of Thanksgiving be with you and yours all year long!
Brice H. Barnes
COL, US Army (Ret)
I was there also , individual you mentioned was lieutenant snyder he was son in law of john glenn, found out few years ago they divorced
I also knew maj feeney & ltc chikula, the most dedicated soldier I ever met
Bill ,,,, Well said! Ditto! My Memoir details my Advisory Team 70 field Advisory Teams service in Upper III Corps. I think the service of MACV Advisors is of historical importance. Our service will died with us unless we document it. Thank you, for all you do!
Use to go to Phu Loi twice a day for mail and to Binh Hoa twice weekly for movies.Had a jeep assigned to me because of that.Drove the tanker bringing water for the pool.
I came home on leave for my sister wedding because I extended my tour so that I could finish my time in the Army.Did not want to come to the states to finish.
Hi Sam, Great to hear from you again. John Swatosh and I were wondering what happened to you after we heard from you some time ago. Of course this virus has totally messed up everything and PR seems to get hit with hurricanes, one after another. So when did you finally leave the team? I had extended also as I didn’t want to do any stateside either. “Sitting around painting rocks white” as they used to say. Good old Tricky Dick cut six months off my service time. Still almost two years over there. We were all quite lucky it was a quiet time. That lovely swimming pool. I have pictures of it being built. To any of you that have been back to Vietnam since, The scooter traffic in Saigon is even more frantic now than it was then. It is scooter city. I even have a T-shirt from last year about the traffic. Funny. Great to hear from all of you guys.
Bill Lappin here. I was in Team 91 69/70 on a MAT guarding a bridge?
Seems like 11th ACav was there too?
Went on ambush patrol first week. RP/PF
people knew what they were doing. 6-8
VC Kia.
Also served in TriTam District
and Adv. Team 91 S-4
Would like to chat with anyone that was there
in that time.
Hi Bill. Would be happy to correspond with you. I was the Phoenix/S-2 at Ben Cat district from September 69 to September 70
Don, thanks.
I don’t recall any of the staff in hq. Recall we chatted before some years ago on this site.
Where do you live? I live in Cary, NC since 2006.
Visiting relatives in GA now but would like to talk next week if you are available.
Who was the DSA while you were there?
I text at 919-812-5740.
Best wishes.
Bill Lappin
Bill, Don, er al. – In 1969 I was the OIC of the First Cavalry Division sniper team based out of Phouc Vinh. In 1970 I transitioned to MACV as Team Leader of MAT lll-6 near So Sao. Reported to Major Lawrence. Wounded three times, once with the Cav and twice with MACC.
I live in Freeland, Md, about 20 miles N of Baltimore. Our DSA was MAJ Anselmo Domingo for the first four months then replaced in early 1970 by MAJ Jason G Hoffman who transferred over to MACV from the Big Red One.
Don Hagar I was a rto in Binh Duong with tm91 from 71-72. I moved from district to district and was also at base camp. Ltc Gerald Chicala was our man in charge and he came from the big red one too. I have made contact with other rto’s sgt Bill Lofgren and William (Smitty)Schmidt. I was there at base camp when maj. Lawrence was kia in the ambush. I received the bronze star for the way I handled the arty and gunships that day. I tried to visit any of the replacements for the ones that were kia that day and was sent to tri tam right after the ambush to coordinate all ops and night ambushes for the district. The Nva that staged the ambush that killed maj. and capt. Wells, sgt Boulware was never found. God bless the family of all those men who gave all.
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Leon: I was the replacement for SFC George Boulware, arriving 3 weeks after the ambush. You and I crossed paths a few times when I traveled to the DIOCCs. I have recently found out that SFC Boulware’s body was buried very near where I live. I visited his grave last Memorial Day and was very disappointed in the poor condition it was in. I can only assume that his family has gone away or lost interest. I have decided to try to upgrade his grave site, in honor of his memory.
John Swatosh (then CPL Swatosh)
Sgt boulware had one more day in country when ambush occurred, maj lawrance told him he could stay in camp but he went anyway. I was rto at tri tam at that time but had left day before for month leave as i reupped for 6 months. My intrepeter sent me a letter telling me what happened, returnded to tri tam after leave, will never forget
I was in team 91 from around oct.70 to march 72.Served under Chicala.In charge of postal services,movies and the club.
Hey my man. I can’t believe what I am seeing. I have been looking for you ever since we left San Francisco. You are my Easter miracle 48 years. I would have thought that you knowing all the names of TM 91would have been on one of these sites. Lofgren and William Schmidt are here and will be over the moon about seeing you on here also. Man I am in shock, 48 years.
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Hello Leon, Some sort of reunion would be a lot of fun. Maybe not physical, but video. There seems to be a few of us still around from that 1971 time period. I was on the Team from Feb 71 to Dec 71. Besides Sam, I would like to hear from Spc Bain and Capt. Rutland, my CO in S-2. It’s interesting to hear from the guys that were around later than me, especially during the An Loc offensive. I was anxiously watching that from home. I live in S. California. Let’s see what we can do while we all have our wits about us.
Spc 5 (Ret.) Larry Gale
Larry … You live in SoCal, so do I! Friend me so we can use FB Messenger to exchange email addresses. I live in SoCal, have about 230 Friends, and a retired Design Engineer.
Larry & Leon: It is good to see this site active again. I tried to get a Team 91 reunion going about 6 years ago but the positive respondents were located in all four corners of the USA.
I was on Team 91 from early October 1971 to Late April 1972 when i was transferred to the 525 MI Group. I was in the Phoenix/Phung Hoang operation, at province level but spent a lot of time in the districts. I still pulled my SOG duties at Gosney. I was SSG Boulware’s replacement.
I worked with S2 CPT Rutland and CPT LaMarch, after CPT Rutland rotated home.
Hi sam I remember you well, how are you & where you at. I was rto at tm hq from September 70 to feb 71 then went phu giao & tri tam, alternating always wondered how you did after tour
You know, after all this Corona is over, perhaps we should organize a Team 91 reunion.
You guys from the “Sept ‘70 or period sound very active. Perhaps you all can take the idea and run with it?
Hi Don, Have any of you guys been back to our old area in recent years? I went a couple of years ago. Ben Cat is quite a large town now that spreads clear across Hwy 13. The Hwy itself is a toll road and my driver had to watch out for speeding tickets. Nothing from our time left at Lamson. It is amazing to see the changes, but then it’s been 49 years since we were there.
Larry Gale I think that having a reunion is a great idea. Smitty and Lofgren and I were talking about going to see each other but a reunion would take care of all Tm 91. If we can get a few more and not like my circumstances. I saw Lofgren on one of the tm sites and then about 6 years later I saw Smitty on this one. I hope that it doesn’t take another 50 years for someone to show up. Samuel Vasquez is a perfect person to reach out to because he knew more about the team than anybody. I still have my wits and can hang with the best of y’all. I am still looking for spec 4 Michael Hilbert and I think he was from Chicago. It would be great to see Col.Chicalla but I think someone said he had passed away. You guys start getting your list of TM91 and we will get this thing moving. Happy hunting boys.
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Sorry to answer so late.Did not see your post.Live in Puerto Rico.Have lived more or less a good life.And now remenbering those years.
Flew with you many times on my trips to tri tam and after my 30 in the field back to HQ. I was always looking for some of my RTO friends. After 44 years I found Bill Lofgren and William Schmidt after 47 years. I am still looking for Michael Hibbert, Tim Doyle and any other Tm 91 members. Sam you were the one soldier we all loved to see coming. We are thinking about having a small reunion maybe in the spring. We are not getting any younger so think about it. I left bing duong in late April of 72. We were starting to phase out before I left. I try to remember some of the good things over there like ribeyes, Australia bands, massage parlors and gangs of fricking mopeds by the hundreds. Great to hear from you Sam and glad you made it through all the hurricanes. Stay safe my brother for we are all candidates for the Covid virus.
Hi Sam, This is Larry Gale. Great to hear from you after all these years. After you went home on leave I took over the mail room and one fateful day the Dec. booking roster came in and surprise, surprise I was on it a month early. I was home on Dec. 24. How are you? Glad you found this website. Keep in touch.
I came home on leave for my sister wedding because I extended my tour so that I could finish my time in the Army.Did not want to come to the states to finish.
Sam: How are you doing? We served together on Team 91. I was there from September ’71 to April ’72. I was the Phung Hoang (Phoenix) Advisor. Enjoyed knowing you then and have wondered how you have been doing. At that time i was CPL John Swatosh
Have a Blessed Easter!
Hi Sam, I have a picture of you and me and Capt. Rutland and Sgt. Ulloa sitting at a table in the club. I think we had live entertainment that night. Let us all know how you are doing.
Do any of you remember an NCO, SFC Fijerian (sp)? Who worked in the Club? I was the Civil Affairs platoon leader at the time, July 70-Jan71.
Brice H. Barnes
Hello Brice, I didn’t arrive on Team 91 until Feb ’71. Sorry I can’t help you.
For Leon Brock, contact me, I’ll help you find Michael Hilbert. There are only two of them that could be him. I have their contact information looked up already. Bill Schwindt in Portland OR c322Locate@aol.com also a vietnam vet, but not with you guys.
I was in team 91 from about october 1970 to april1972 in charge of mail,movies and at one time of the bar.
So darn good to see your post, hope you’re doing good sam , I can still see your face and your ever pleasant attitude, this is amazing after so many years , hope you’re doing well, smitty
Sam: It is good to see your posts and hat you are doing OK. I thought that we were good friends while is was on Team 91 from September ’71 to April ’72. We both worked on the movie night showings. I coordinated the move to one of the hooches. You were at the Christmas ’71 party in my hooch. Did you go with our group to the Christmas Bob Hope show in Long Binh?
John Swatosh;;;then CPL Swatosh
Farmington, Lawrence family watch as bridge dedicated to a hometown hero
Harrison Thorp 7 a.m.
May 28, 2018
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Members of the Lawrence family after receiving their bridge dedication commemorative plaques on Sunday. (Rochester Voice photos)
FARMINGTON – In an emotional ceremony that highlighted Farmington’s Memorial Day parade and observances, the Main Street bridge was named for a true American hero.
As the bridge was officially dedicated as the Major John Lawrence Memorial Bridge around 2 p.m. on Sunday, members of Lawrence’s family beamed with pride while remembering his sacrifice.
“His mom and dad would be so proud,” said Sharon Glidden, a younger sister of Lawrence who still lives in Farmington.
Major John (Jacky, as he was fondly nicknamed) Winslow Lawrence Jr. died on Sept. 16, 1971, while deployed with the Military Assistance Command Team 91 in Binh Duong Province near Tri Tam, just northwest of Saigon.
Upon learning of an ambush of fellow soldiers a short distance away, Lawrence immediately assembled an ad hoc unit to relieve the ambushed group. They sped swiftly in jeeps and other vehicles toward the fighting.
But as the relief column moved to aid their beleaguered comrades they, too, were ambushed. Lawrence, who was in the lead, was badly wounded in the initial exchange but kept on fighting and helped to repulse an initial VC assault before being killed. Much of the unit survived after uniting with other friendly forces, but Lawrence and two others made the ultimate sacrifice.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed the bill authorizing the naming in April at an event attended by Glidden and her husband, Malcomb.
Among the Lawrence family on hand was Lawrence’s son, Michael Christopher Lawrence and his wife, of Atlanta, Ga., and their daughter and son, John (Jacky), who is named for his hero grandpa.
The parade, itself, was regarded as one of the finest in recent Farmington history, with dozens of vintage cars, firetrucks and even the Shriners in their tiny cars.
The parade began at the Farmington Cemetery., with readings and ceremonies commemorating the sacrifice of servicemen and women who didn’t return from the battlefield before proceeding to the bridge for the official dedication to Lawrence.
There was also a Decorate Your Wheels contest, military vehicles and local Scout troops.
We will never forget.
Yes Major Lawrence was a super hero and it was NVA not Viet Cong. I was there and replaced the RTO when the new Major , Capt and staff sgt took over Dau Tiang (Tri tam).
John:
Who were the replacements for Major Lawrence, Captain Wells and SFC Boulware?
John Swatosh (then CPL Swatosh)
The major was named Shaw a orange haired red faced typical Irish American with a big heart.
The capt( Lieutenant) was named Funseth?don’t hold me to it but a few years later I saw him on a commercial on TV.
Staff Sargent Tipton was a great fellow from Georgia who I visited after about 5 years a few times. Tipton lived about 65 miles from me. The last time I went to see him his daughter told me that he had died of cancer. Most likely Agent Orange blowing across the river after the ambush.
Thank you. Their names look familiar, particularly Major Shaw and SSG Tipton. I just visited SFC Boulware’s grave this past Monday. He was killed along with Major Lawrence and Captain Wells. I finally connected with George Boulware’s brother who did not know much about his brother’s death.
I am trying to remember which RTO you were. I went on R&R in January 1972 to Bangkok with one of the RTOs. Was that you?
No I went home for Christmas. It could have been Michael Hilbert from Pennsylvania or Timothy Doyle. I don’t remember where he was from. Did you see where Samuel Vasquez our mail clerk came on here. He might remember who and where they are from. Your name sounds like I may know you but a lot of the things I have blocked out. I talk to Bill Lofgren and William (Smitty) Schmidt a couple of times a month. They were both rto’s. We are going to plan a Tm 91 get together soon.
Mike Hibbert!! That’s him. Have you been in contact with him since then?
No but I would love to see or contact him. We had some really good times especially when the Australian bands would come put on a show. I usually found out first from Sam Vasquez so I would make sure that Mike and I were off for the shows. I have pictures of us with the singers some place. John I have to know you and I may have some pictures of you.
I do remember the Australian bands. I also remember the occasional visiting journalists and “VIPs” arriving on some General’s helicopter going shopping for Terra Cotta elephants. Some memories come streaming back from time to time.
I recall the RTOs rotating between the districts and the province at the Gosney Compound. Did you play in the Sunday softball games?
I think you and I went to Saigon for a visit to “Larry’s Bar”. Is that you?
When I was there I bought a Super 8 camera and took a lot of film. Later I had it edited and converted to VHS. A few years ago I had it converted to DVD. I think you may be in a shot or two. If yu want a copy let me know.
I have sent a message to Sam but he does not respond. I’ve been communicating with Larry Gale (S-2) and Byron Furseth. (S-1). I was the Phung Hoang advisor at the province level but spent a lot of time in the districts.
When did you go home? Was it in August 1972?
When I left at the end of April 1972. I remember Byron on steak weekends when I was out of the districts and was at Hq. I have a lot of things that I have erased from my mind and when I look at the pictures I have it brings back some of the friends that I had over there. Take care of yourself and keep trying to find some of our friends.
Im william schmidt, was serving on maj lawrance team at the time but left country one day before incident for months free leave for 6 months extended tour. He was a great man
Hi Don. I was also stationed at Ben Cat from summer ‘69-‘70 doing civil affairs stuff. I recall that our CO was Captain Ozimo (sp?). I’ve forgotten the name of the Civil Affairs Lt. to whom I reported directly, but he was a blond-haired chap from Michigan.
Does any of that sound familiar?
Hello. I’m Jeff Kleinman and I was a 1Lt at provincial HG from July 68 to july 69. I trained and went on operations with RF company 694 (I think that was the number). Our commander was Colonel Kitts. Ron Ossimo had my job before. He then came back for another tour a couple of months before I went home.
I arrived at Ben Cat late in September 1969 or maybe it was early October because I had to take a week-long Phoenix course at Vung Tau.
The District Senior Advisor then was Maj Anselmo Domingo, from Hawaii. Wish I could reunite with him because he was a wonderful guy.
Jeff: Its Ron Osimo it was RF Company 794 under CPT An. My tours in Advisor Team 91 March 1967 to March 1968 (RF/PF Advisor). September 1968 to September 1969.Remember our Christmas 1968 Party handing out ice cream. I was Senior RF/PF Advisor . I took over from Major Robinson who went to Ben Cat as the District Senior Advisor. On July 8, Captain James Norrie Crocker, Jr. (Senior Advisor Phu Hoa) was killed on July 8, 1969 North of Trung An when his helicopter he was in directing operations was shot down. LTC Raymond Fleigh, Province Senior Advisor set me over to take CPT Crocker’s position as District Senior Advisor. I left Vietnam in September 1969 and went to the Career Course form October 1969 to July 1970 returning to Advisor Team 91 in August 1970 and LTC Fleigh sending me up to be District Senior Advisor Ben Cat replacing Major Hoffman. I left Ben Cat District in Feb I972 and Advisor Team 91 in March 1972. Infantry Branch sent be back to get my college degree. You had 18 months to get a 4 year degree. I served with LTC Gerald Chikalla after LTC Fleigh left.
Ron: Our tours overlapped, but don’t recall that our paths ever crossed. I was 1LT Deputy District Advisor in Phu Hoa from Jul ‘70 to May ‘71. Our team house had been recently built and was dedicated to CPT Crocker. I also served under LTCs Fleigh and Chikalla, the senior Province advisors. At the district I served under MAJ John Williams and then MAJ Doug Babcock. Separated when I got back stateside but did go back to serve 3 years in the Conn. National Guard followed by 6 months with a hospital unit. Career got in the way of remaining in the Reserves and was discharged with the rank of Captain. When i got home just wanted to put it all behind me. Yet still wonder – with some guilt – what became of both my advisory team 91 teammates and my Vietnamese counterparts. Take care. Mike
I’m curious after reading your post if you or anyone else who is part of this message board has any personal recollections of my Dad LTC Raymond Fleigh. My Dad passed in 1988. Like many veterans he never shared a great deal about his tours in Korea or Vietnam. I’ll share my contact information if anyone out there might have a memory or story that might include my Dad’s service.
All the best,
Lynda
Lynda: Sorry for your loss and sorry i don’t have any personal stories to share. I was a couple of steps down the chain of command and interactions with province level personnel were not that frequent. 1988, he died young, and that is always difficult. Let me wish him a belated “Welcome home.” Mike Davey
PS: in my original msg I mistakenly said my dad passed in 1988 it was 1992.
All the best,
Lynda
I served under LTC Fleigh in Vietnam from November 1969 to November 1970. He assigned me to Mobile Advisory Team 5 in Ben Cat District under District Senior Advisor Major Domingo who was replaced by Major Hoffman. As a 2lt I was assistant team leader for seven months. Your father would occasionally fly in by helicopter and visit us in the field. After being in the field for seven months he moved back to province headquarters as S4 (supply officer). He was aware that I was married and had a daughter while in Vietnam. I think that’s why he moved me out of the field. As S4 I was required to attend the daily staff meeting every morning. Each of the staff was required to report on their area of responsibility. He was very firm, but fair minded making sure those in the districts were being well supplied.
The only time I had one on one conversations with him was when each of the staff would alternate flying with him by helicopter to each district on a Sunday. He would always engage in personal conversations as well as taking care of business.
When it came time to rotate home I can remember that we (me and two other officers that were headed home) threw a fair well party in a tent outside the officers club. We hired a Phipino band that did a great job of mimicking American music. It was attended by all Ranks from Gosney Compound. Everyone kept encouraging your father to get up on stage and dance. After much badgering he did, which prompted a lot of cheering.
In my exit interview I distinctly remember how he thanked me for my service. He was aware that I wouldn’t make the Army a career, but was most appreciative of my sacrifice.
Thank you for taking the time to share that with us! It’s so funny because we have a photo of him dancing with one of the girls that evening. We always have a good laugh over it. It’s nice to know he’s remembered as we miss him mightily. So glad you made it home to your family! Again thanks for sharing.
Hello, I was wondering if you could help me. I’m hoping the blond-haired chap from Michigan was David Kuczynski? He was my aunt’s fiance during the war and he was killed in October of 1969. If it was David could you please let me know and if you have any information about him that would be great! My aunt still thinks of him everyday and would love to hear any news about him.
Thank you,
Sherry Cuen
Hello Sherry, I wish I could help but I His face doesn’t look familiar to me- there’s a photo of him on the “Virtual Wall”. He was apparently killed by an explosive device of some kind. There were something like six districts in Binh Duong Province and I was in “Ben Cat”. Had it occurred in Ben Cat I would have heard about it, so it must have been elsewhere.
Hello again Sherry. I was looking at past postings on this site and found the following comment from a “Bill Lofgren” posted on 26 May 2019: “On Memorial Day we remember the men and women, the HEROS, who have given their lives to protect our American rights and freedoms. I would like to specifically remember and honor nine of these Heroes who, like myself, served with MACV Advisory Team 91 in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. I served as RTO with Capt. Kuczyaski, Chau Thanh District, and was with him the day he was KIA, Oct. 16, 69. He saved my life that day. ” Do a little digging and you’ll find his comment.
I hope this helps. Chau Thanh was one of the districts in Binh Duong.
Hello Joe…and welcome home. Apparently a PSYOPS Captain “David Kuczynski” from Livonia, Mi. was KIA on 14 October 69. I was already “DEROSed” by then and back in my home town of Baltimore. There’s a request for information on CPT Kuczynski from a “Shery Cuen”. Apparently her aunt was engaged to him. Ms. Cuen posted her request just yesterday,, April 10.
Can you provide any information to her? According to the “Virtual Wall” he was killed by an explosive device, but no information on just where in Binh Duong it happened….I’d like to know myself, too.
Hey Joe. I hadn’t had enough coffee when I sent that last note, so I made a mistake. I didn’t DEROS until September of 1970, so I was in country and in Ben Cat when that CPT Kuczynski was killed. I don’t recall hearing anything about it, but my memory is fading. My guess is he was killed in one of the other districts
Happy thanksgiving to all former tm 91 followers from William Schmidt, September 70 to april 72
Hey William! Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes. The same goes to you. I was on Team 91 from September 71 – April 72. What did you do on Team 91.I was the Phoenix/Phung Hoang Advisor.
Hey Smitty you got through twice. It is so good to hear from you. I didn’t know you went home in April 72. Col. Chicalla knew that I was 6 days from going home and he was in the toc with me when a Huey went down. I told him that I would go with him and he said that I was too short to go. When he returned he told me to get my tail to Saigon. He had put me in for the bronze star for the work I done getting gunships and arty. when the ambush happened in Tri Tam. When major Shaw and his team sgt. Tipton replaced maj Lawrence,capt.Wells and sgt. Boulware I went with them to Tri Tam. Smitty I think you were in Phu Giao I believe M. Hibbert was at the base camp. I went to Georgia and visited sgt. Tipton a few years later and was going back to see him and he had passed away. It was hard to believe that he went through Vietnam without a scratch and died so soon after he got home. Smitty you and Bill Lofgren are the only two that has been in contact with me. I got in country July 5th 1971 and left April 20 1972.
Hi again john brock, William Schmidt here, was very different when I came back from leave to tri tam after 3 of my team mates were kia while I was on leave, all new guys, I never did find out if sgt dougherty survived his wounds from the ambush, know he was in bad shape. I found the three on areplica of the wall, cried like a baby as they were like my brothers, we’re still fighting freezing rain & snow trying to get corn off, today I helped sort & work 470 calves so pooped out. I also have bronze star & arcom with attachments, never got me a cup of coffee just lots of memories, hope you & yours are good etc, maybe see you again some day!
I was the DIOCC Advisor in Phu Khuong District Tay Ninh on Team 90 from Sept 1970 to Sept 1971. I met Major Lawrence in DC in the summer of 1970 while attending the Army Intelligence Course at Ft. Holabird in Baltimore. Major Lawrence was introduced to me by my former BnCo Lt. Col. James Bodine who was at DIA. Cpt. David Sparks was my roommate at Ft. Holabird & we deployed to RVN at the same time in Sept 1970 & he was assigned as the DIOCC advisor with Major Lawrence. Dave & I returned to ConUS in Sept 1971 prior to the ambush that claimed Major Lawrence & other members of Team 91.
I never heard anybody say a bad word about major Lawrence. I didn’t know him real well but one of my best friends a fellow RTo served under him for a full tour. I would see him when we would have our Sunday softball games and I was on duty the day that they died. I called In gunships, arty. and Medivacs the day of the ambush.
Anyone on Adv Tm 91 remember in 1972 the names of SSG Daniel LeMay and LT Ahern? I think they were with the Phoenix/Phung Hoang program or some other intel organization. LeMay and I became good friends.Anthony Mays
Hey there, does anyone know or remember when Major Lawrence was first was assigned as the Tri Tam DSA?
I was on the team from April 1972 until late in the year. I transferred to TRAC3 HQ and was there when the cease fire was signed. While on the team I was mail clerk and worked in the S-2 shop. Anyone remember that year when a friendly popular force soldier took control over their guardhouse and kept ground traffic from going in and out of the compound? That day he committed suicide by grenade. Also anyone remember a Captain Kuhn who lost his leg after having a round penetrate the bottom of their helicopter? SP5 Anthony Mays
I may recall the incident your are referring to, although I thought that it was earlier in March. One night, at about 0200 while I was on SOG duty, walking in the ALOFT area, it was hit by what I thought was small mortars, but was later confirmed as RPG rounds. I pulled an alert and called everyone out. Other rounds went off in the 5th ARVN area and they had a full alert going.
COL. Chikala (sp?) came out and we walked the perimeter on the north and east. When we heard rounds go off out by the front gate we went out there where he spoke with 5th ARVN officers. He learned that it was a ARVN officer that was drunk and upset about his cheating wife and losing money gambling. He was held up in the front tower, by the road, shooting rounds into the 5th ARVN and our ALOFT area. The stand off went on until about 0700 when an APC with a 50 Cal. came out. After final negotiation failed they opened up on the tower and his stock of grenades blew him up. I saw his body go up in pieces. Never forget that morning.
I was CPL John Swatosh, in those days.
Hello Anthony, Welcome to the Team 91 website. I was the SP5 that worked in S-2 from Feb ’71 until Dec ’71 with Capt. Rutland. I am interested in what happened on the Team after I left . When did you leave the Team? I imagine it was getting pretty small by the time you left. Do you know what happened to the VN employees as the team wound down? Great to hear from you.
Larry Gale
The Team CO when I was there was LTC Alvin Hutchins. For the life of me I can’t remember the S-2’s name although CPT Rutland sounds familiar. I had photos of me and him at an orphanage in Ben Cat but I threw them out in a fit. Wish I had them now because I would be able to read his name tag. I also remember a LT Ahern and SSG Daniel LeMay being at Gosney compound for a while, but they were other intel types like psyops or signals intelligence. I used to take mail and movies out to the district teams by helo. One such run is the occasion when our helo was diverted to pick up a wounded American. I’m almost certain his last name was Cpt Kuhn. Do you remember anyone by that name out in the districts?
Anthony & Larry: The S-2 after CPT Rutland was CPT Mark La March. I was the Phung Hoang/Pheonix “advisor” and worked with S-2 during Sep ’71 to May ’72.
Hey john, tried to reply don’t know if it went will try again, i was rto at tm hq from September 70 to February 71 then alternated tri tam & phu giao as rto until April 72 with one month leave September 71 , left tri tam for leave when major lawrance & others were kia, by the way I got your book, very good
I was on 91 from July 68 to July 69. Trained and was in combat with local Rf&PF soldiers. Anyone from that period of time please respond.
Jeff, Lt Ed Morrow here. I joined 91 later jan 69, and left in Aug. First duty was on the bridge, and last was out at “Dog Leg Village”
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Lt Ed Morrow here
Jan 69 to Aug 69
I was on the Bridge late Jan to mid March? then we were north about 20 klicks to build a compound, last couple of months out at Dog Leg Village. Wish I could remember the real name of it. it was just west of the Heart Shaped Woods.
Did you know Capt Norman Saliman?
The name doesn’t ring a bell
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Hi Ed, I was at PhuHoaDong in 1969. I can’t seem to find anyone who remembers the 110′ tower in the NorthWest corner of the ARVN Compound. By any chance do you recall seeing it and if so do you have any pictures of it or any info concerning it?
Bill: Thank you for responding. I was based at Province (residing at Gosney Compound and working in Phu Coung), but regularly visited the districts; Tri Tam, Ben Cat, Phu Giao and Phuc Vinh. I knew most of the RTOs because of my visits to the DIOCCs. I was only a E-4, Corporal at that time.
I arrived in late August as the replacement for SSG Bulware, oe of the men that were killed n the ambush. I went to Bangkok on R&R in January of 1972 and partnered with one of Team 91 RTOs….cant remember his name.
If you want to communicate further send me an email at jswat@msn.com.
John
Do you recall SSG Ulloa? He was S2 on Team 91 in 1971 and 1972.
Unfortunately I don’t remember him. He may have left before I arrived there. I worked with a Captain in the S-2, but for the life of me I can’t remember his name. I had photos of us at a Ben Cat orphanage but threw them out. I’m sure I would have been able to read his name tag if I still had them.
I, Don Hagner, was the S-2 at Ben Cat during Sept ‘69 to Sept ‘70. (Phoenix program)
If anyone would like to correspond, my e-mail is hagners3@comcast.net
Hello Don, Have you been back to Ben Cat in the last few years? You wouldn’t believe how big it is now. Hwy 13 is a toll road where you have to watch your speed. I was after your time. I was in S2 with Team 91 in 1971. I was with Team 70 G2 in 1970 when they moved from Lam Son to Lai Khe.
As I look at your dates, we actually were in the same area in 1970. I certainly remember driving past Ben Cat on the way from Lai Lhe to Saigon. I was on Team 70 from Jan 70 to Jan 71.
hi don, bill phelps ssg ben cat 69-70 also 67-68, vietnamese pru. and others. i don’t remember you but i don’t remember a lot
Hey Bill,
I have your email address. Tuesday I’ll send you a photo of myself taken in Ben Cat
Ha Bill, do you remember a SSG.Alvis ? I was with team 91 late 68,early 69 .
Hello Anthony,
I was in S-2 on Team 91 from Feb 71 to Dec 71 when I got a drop. John Swatosh filled in after I left and then I guess you came in. When did you start in S-2? I am interested in seeing what happened to the team over the next year. When did you leave? John and I both remember Sgt. Ulloa in S-2 but he must have been gone by the time you got there. Great to hear from you.
The S2 Captains during my time thee were CPT Rutland, was there until about December 1971 or January 1972. After him it was
CPT La March. I was the PIOCC Phoenix/Phung Hoang advisor from September 1971 to April 1972.
my email iswillie.s48@icloud.com sorry so late in reply, my home computer is wasch@srt.com might work better phone number is 701-626-1215, William Schmidt to bill lofgren
Smitty you better remember me spec 4 Leon Brock from SC. Are you from North Dakota? If you are the one. You told me a story about you and a friend shooting a big buck one night and putting it in the trunk of the car. When you got home you opened the trunk and he came out like a bull. I have been telling this story for 48 years. I have been in contact with Bill Loftgren. I have a few pictures of us outside the hooch at Lam-son . The capt. was named Wells
I handled all the gunships and arty on that day. Email me man. I have been looking for you for ever.
Leon, you still have my ph #? It hasn’t changed. I don’t have yours. Email me .. maryland296@gmail.com. Hope all is well brother.
Memorial Day
Remembering MACV Advisory Team 91’s
Hero’s that made the Ultimate Sacrifice
On Memorial Day we remember the men and women, the HEROS, who have given their lives to protect our American rights and freedoms. I would like to specifically remember and honor nine of these Heroes who, like myself, served with MACV Advisory Team 91 in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. I served as RTO with Capt. Kuczyaski, Chau Thanh District, and was with him the day he was KIA, Oct. 16, 69. He saved my life that day. I served as RTO with Major Lawrence and Capt. Bell, along with the rest of the Tri Tam District Feb.-June 71, went home Aug. 22, 71 three weeks before they were KIA. I don’t remember meeting SFC Boulware who was also KIA with Major Lawrence and Capt. Bell. I had met and talked with SFC Lundin a couple of times at the sector house in Phu Cuong. These men along with the others listed below that I never had the honor to meet made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you, my Brothers…you are not forgotten.
SFC. John Charles Lundin-MACV Advisory Team 91-KIA- Vietnam
MAJ. John Winslow Lawrence-MACV Advisory Team 91-KIA-Vietnam
CAPT. David E. Kuczyaski-MACV Advisory Team 91- Special Forces- KIA-Vietnam
CAPT. James A. Wells-MACV Advisory Team 91-Vietnam
SFC. George W. Boulware-MACV Advisory Team 91-KIA-Vietnam
CAPT. James Norrie Crocker, Jr MACV Advisory Team 91-Vietnam
CAPT. Bernard Francis Jones-MACV Advisory Team 91-KIA-Vietnam
SFC. Ronald Lee Hilderbrand-MACV Advisory Team 91-Vietnam
SGT. Hugh G. Willard -MACV Advisory Team 91-KIA- Vietnam
Posted by Bill Lofgren
MACV Team 91 June, 1969-August 1971
Bill, thanks for posting this tribute to our brothers-in-arms. Also, let us remember our allies who fell in combat. My Ruff Puffs were some fierce warriors who always had my back. My life was spared on two occasions due to their actions. I served as Senior Advisor of MAT lll-6 from December 1969 to July 1970. We were located at So Sao, south of Ben Cat and just east of QL13. – Terry
Your so right Terry, I do almost every day.
Please add these Team 91 Members:
1LT Robert Boyd, Assistant Sector S-2, Oct. 13, 1967.
2LT John Wulffert, ICEX, Lai Thieu District, Dec. 23, 1967.
Bill–an important and meaningful post to honor these brave men. The memory and awareness of
their sacrifice should be kept alive. I was with Team 70 G2 at Lam Son in ‘67-‘68 as an
interrogator, interpreter, and translator. Some of us from Team 70 are trying to identify the
names on our Gosney Compound and Couch Compound @ Lai Khe Memorial Plaque that listed
the names of all the men who were KIA while advising elements of the ARVN 5th Division, no matter
what their unit, from 1962-72. There were 68 names on it in late 1970, the earliest ones being MAAGV and
MACV SD-5891 Advisors working with the 5th Division. There is at least one Team 91 man on the memorial,
CAPT Marcus Turner, KIA 14FEB67 (source: VirtualWall.org), and there may be more. I don’t know anything
about Team 91’s advisory responsibilities. Do you know if any of the men you listed were advisors for any
5th Division elements? We have 57 men identified whose names are or should be on our memorial, but the
photos of it that we have are illegible thanks to its plexglass cover and reflections. My email is
kudzu44@comcast.net if you or other Team 91 members have any info about the courageous men that you honored..
Bill, did you serve with SGT Charles Trough?
Bill Lofgren do you have a date on when capt. Jones was killed? The black guy on the float was Lt Bernard Jones and he still had some time left. Do you still have the pictures that I sent you?
Hey there John, hope all is well. I can get back with on that but in the meantime if you go to the virtual Vietnam memorial wall on line and plug on his name the info will come up. Do you still have my cellphone #. Call me so I can get yours. I live in Florida now so I’d like to hook up down the road. I’m about 6-7 hours drive time. Talk to you soon.
Yes i remember you well, think about you a lot and always wondered how your life turned out. Yes im still in nd, married for 41 years 5 kids & 15 grand kids, helping my brother & nephew farm 7500 acres and making hay for 500 cows, turned 71 in April so might quit working so much as my wife just retired, she is 64 so might might go to Alaska next summer to visit older brother and catch some halibut, good to hear from you
Hey leon brock call me sometime my number is 701-626-1215 would love to hear from you, when i got back I went to kodiak ak to visit my brother, ended up fishing king crab in bearing sea for nine months ( deadliest catch) also gill netted red salmon in bristol bay & purse seined silver salmon around kodiak, then was cement finisher for28 Year’s then rural mail carrier for 10 ( construction & mail in nd)
Smitty I have had a good life but I have a big bucket list. I finally got my disability from Nam after all these years. We were never told about ptsd when we left the Army and didn’t even know that they had anything like that. I thought it was normal for the ones who was there. I put in for an appointment about 10 years ago and it took 6 years to get my evaluation. I had a psych who was supposed to know what was wrong with me and I have kids older than him. He turned me down and I had to appeal the findings. I now after all this time am getting a check. I have been married 5 times and I have 5 kids.3 girls and 2 boys but have always taken care of them. I have worked hard and have loved hard. I will call you when you are done working. Brock
Nice to hear from you brother John brock, I also am rated 60 percent ptsd for last 10 years, done lots counseling’s etc, was not a good place, look forward to a talk with you, later, smitty
Hey my friend, I heard that you were about to get about 18 inches of snow tonight. What day did you finally get home? I believe I got back on April 28 1972. Do you remember a guy who was in our hootch with us when we were at base camp. His name was Michael Hibbert. I have been looking for him also but like you it has been a long dry run. Get all your equipment winterized and I will talk to you later my friend.
Hi John! Think it was around 17 April 72, ya ton thi houng was quite a girl I even had visa to bring her back, my brother has once in lifetime tag for nd moose, saw huge bull this morning but couldn’t get close enough. Yes we are getting dumped on tonight possibly 24” with 55 mph wind , still have 2000 acres soybeans & 3000 acres corn to go, you have a good day!!!
John ( or Leon) : I believe i served with you and possible made the return trip to the USA with you. I was on Team 91 from October 71 – April 72, working in an Intelligence assignment. Then i was transferred to an assignment in the Saigon area. When I was in Team 91 I was CPL John Swatosh. By the time I went home I was SGT Swatosh. Did we get drunk together (along with a few other guys) at the SFO airport?
I believe we did also the mail clerk from Puerto Rico. His name was Samuel Vasquez. My last assignment was going on a chopper that had been shot down with Col. Chacalla in Phu Gio district to secure it and run the radio communications on the ground. The Col. found out I was 6 days short time and he let me go to Saigon whenever we returned to base. I was sitting in the toc when they were shot down. I had just left tri tam to get ready to go home when Col. said lets go and I couldn’t not go with him. He would fly me back to the the compound every Sunday to be on his softball team. He didn’t like to lose, and I didn’t want to miss those steaks.John
Hey john, William Schmidt here, how you doing? Good to see your post, I’m doing good a diabetes thing going on but not bad, 15 grand kids to keep me busy, and still working for my nephew farming 10000 acres and 500 cows so always something to do in summer. I pretty much ice fish all winter as someone has to feed the family, what a man chikula was , one of finest men i ever knew, hope you are well!!!
I was attached to a Big Red One ground surveillance radar unit in March of 1970 and was briefly stationed at an ARVN compound which had a building named Crocker Hall and the abbreviation ADV TM91 on the banner on the main building. Location was roughly a bit west of CuChi and right off the main road.
Is anyone familiar with this compound and where it might have been exactly?
Thanks for any help–Mike Madden
Hi Mike, Did the compound you speak of have a large tower (110′)?
Not that I remember. We had our dome on top of the HQ building–“Crocker Hall” and that was two stories. The land around it was so flat–no hills or trees –the dome mounted on a support shaft was high enough to be able to work well.
The ARVN Compound I was at had a 110′ tower. It was at PhuHoaDong. It was North of CuChi just off the Saigon River and Iron Triangle. To the West was the Filhol Plantation. The compound you mentioned as being West of CuChi was probably South of the Filhol.
I served with Adv. Tm 91 from the beginning of July 1970 to the middle of May 1971. I was stationed at the compound you refer to. It was in Xom Moi, the district HQ (in effect county seat) of Phu Hoa District. I and the rest of the district team lived in Crocker Hall. I was the deputy district advisor or XO. Crocker Hall was only one story with a small observation post on top. The tower you may have been referring two could have been our water tower that was just outside the building and was about 110′ tall. Phu Hoa Dong was a village to the north of district HQ. We had a Mobile Advisory Team (MAT) stationed there. There was also a 25th Infantry Div. (based in Cu Chi) artillery firebase there until the 25th was sent home at the end of 1970.
Hi Michael, thanks for the post. I think you were at a different compound than I was. The tower at Phu Hoa Dong compound was 110′ high and was an artillery/observation tower (not a water tower). It overlooked the village of Phu Hoa Dong (approximately 100 meters away) with the Saigon River and Iron Triangle just north of it. The Filhol Plantation was to the left (west). Cu Chi to the south. I’m thinking your compound may have been between Cu Chi and Phu Hoa Dong. Not sure because the name does not ring a bell.
Thanks, Bob
Bob, Since my last post we have been engaged in pulling up stakes in Virginia and moving to Florida. If memory serves, and of late it sometimes doesn’t, the RF compound at Phu Hoa Dong was the 774. CO was real sharp and a good soldier. Unfortunately he was a Hoa Hao, a discriminated against minority religious sect, and never got the promotions he deserved. District HQ where I lived was about due south of Phu Hoa Dong on the main road that ran East-West thru the district from the Saigon River bridge to Cu Chi.
Although I went to Phu Hoa Dong many times, don’t remember the tower. Probably part of or associated with the artillery base.
Our MAT leader there was Cpt. Conrad (Connie) Stempel, with whom I went on a number of operations.
Best for the New Year,
Mike
Thanks for your response Mike. I didn’t see what year you were at PhuHoaDong. I would guess it was probably prior to 1969 due to the fact that you did not see the tower. At 110’ high it was impossible to miss. I’m not sure when the tower was put in place. All I can say with certainty is that it was there in 1969. I have not been able to get any info concerning the tower or PhuHoaDong in the 1969 time frame. I look forward to any info from that time. Bob
Was going thru my grandfathers stuff and found out he was in Bing Duong with army Macv. Not sure the year. His name was Fred DeMarco. Trying to see if anyone has any story’s or pictures of him. Thank you all for your service.
To everyone that served on Team 91 here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Larry Gale S-2 1971
I’ve posted a U.S. Corps of Engineers map of the Bến Cát area on the VietnamWarHistoryOrg Facebook Group, which includes a closeup detail of Phú Hòa Đông. I’ve read the comments here of Team 91 members who were there at various times. Can anyone tell me based on the map exactly where the compound was? Or if you might have known anyone who was there from April-June 1968? Thanks.
I was at Ben Cat District from Sept 1969 to Sept 1970. I can pinpoint the Adv Team 91 compound there
Does anyone know the coordinates for Gosney Compound? Phu Loi air base nearby was 10.999N 106.702 E., but I can’t find a location for Gosney.
I lived in the Gosney compound as a member of the 2nd Civil Affairs Company up until Feb =1971.
Hi Brice, You and I must have passed on my way in and your way out. I transferred to the team in Feb 71 working with Lt. Wojtanowicz and SSG Covington in S-2.There is nothing left of Gosney compound now, but I wonder if someone has the coordinates. I believe there was a church next door. That might still be there.
I have some 35 mm slides of that church plus one older one down the road.
Do you know what the name of the church was? Maybe it can be located on Google Earth if it’s still there. I drove by that area last year, but I didn’t see anything. Maybe I wasn’t looking in quite the same location. It’s all warehouses and industrial parks now.
Bruce, my name is Ed Price, I was with team 91 , located at the RVN Engineer School compound at Phu Cung. At that time the team HQ was at Lam Son, next to Phu Loi Air Field. I arrived there in Nov 70.
Thank you, Don. If you send me your email address I can send you a detail of Phu Hoa Dong on the Ben Cat map. Bob Sadusky here on the site also replied.
Hi here’s my email address hagners3@comcast.net Thanks!
My email address is strata1@sbcglobal.net
Do you have a way to pinpoint Gosney Compound?
hi don i was in ben cat 69-70 then went to a mat team in the delta, bill phelps
Don,
I was in Adv Tm 91
From 1969-70. Don’t remember any names though. Served with a MAT in two locations then S-4 my last few months. Did we know each other?
Bill Lappin
Hi Bill,
I spent my entire year up in Ben Cat District at the DIOCC. Your name sounds familiar though. Rotated back to the States in September 1970
I was in Phu Hoa Dong in June 1969. If I saw the map you speak of I may be able to pinpoint the compound for you. it was North-East of Cu Chi at the bottom leg of the Iron Triangle just south of the Saigon River.
Hi Bob, thank you for your reply. Can you send me your email address and I’ll email you the Ben Cat map that includes the detail of Phu Hoa Dong? My dad was DSA there from April-June of 68, but I’m guessing the compound was still in the same place in June 69.
I’m wondering if anyone can tell me if a PRU team operated out of Phu Hoa Dong in the spring/summer of 68, under the MACV #91 advisory team? I have heard Vietnam vets in social chat rooms say my father could not have been a DSA for a ruff/puff PF unit there, and that his real job was advising a PRU. He states in his journal there were only 7 members of his American team, in an advisory capacity with “50 PF and 50 RD cadre”. I’m also hearing conflicting stories about the role of PRUs in the war.
The first ICEX Advisor for Phu Hoa Dong in 1967 was 1LT Stan Stanley. He was also the US leader for the District PRU Team. He also served at Sixth Army Headquarters in about 1988.
I served with team ,91 from Nov 1970 until Nov ,1971. Engineer team and PRU team. Also With PSDF units at Phu Cung. Cambodian advisor from Aug until October
Hi Edward, did you work with the Chau Thanh district team? Your name sounds familiar. My name’s Bill Lofgren, RTO on the Chau Thanh team. I was assigned to the team in June of 69 and stayed untill Jan of 71 when I was assigned to Tri Tam under Maj. Lawrance untill June of 71. I finished out my last two of my 27 months with tm 91 working the TOC in Lam Son. I have pictures of President Thieu coming to a Village in Chau Thanh district to celebrate the PTSD defense against a VC attack, if I remember that correctly. Maj. Orr was our SDA at the time. 1st. Lt York was intelligence officer. Any thoughts?
Hi im William Schmidt was rto at tm91 hq at lam son from sept 70 till feb 71 then alternated phu giao, tri tam and ben cat , tri tam with maj lawrance, sgt boulware & another captain who were all killed on sept 21 1971, other team member badly wounded. One day after i left country for month long leave as I extended for 6 months for early out, was your nick name number 8 or eigth fellow to join tm 91? If so I remember you
Was there when those guys were lost in the Ambush. Attended the Memorial service. A sad time. I was at the Compound where the Engineer School was located at Phu Cung. Myself and a Major Kaye R. Straight. ( Ed Price )
I was fifth man on that five man team, my intrepeter sent me a letter telling me of incident while I was on leave, I returned to same tri tam after leave was very difficult
Was Cpt. David Sparks the DIOCC advisor when you were on Tm 91? I was the DIOCC advisor in Phu Khuong from Sep 1970-Sep 1971. Cpt. Sparks & I were roommates during the Summer of 1970 at Ft. Holabird, MD while we attended the Army Intelligence Course.
I honestly don’t remember a lot of the names of the folks at Lam Son. We operated independently and even though we were running ops from our respective AO’s I rarely seen or got to know other team members. Other than picking up mail and subsistence at Lam Son, I didn’t spend much time there.
Yes he was in phu giao, also major campbell was boss there then major phillips when campbell left.
Thank you for your feedback. I lost track of Dave after DROS in September 1971. I also knew Maj. Lawrence who I met in D.C. during the summer of 1970 while he was attending RVN Course for DSA Designees. He was introduced to me by LTC. James Bodine who was my former BnCo @ Ft.Bliss that was @ DIA. I remember visiting with Cpt. Sparks & Maj. Lawrence @ your house during my tour. I was saddened to fine out that Maj. Lawrence was KIA upon my return from RVN. MY former teammate Bruce Breadsley informed me of his death. You can contact me @ johnlvalles@gmail.com if you’re interested in contacting me.
Yes
Yes,
Maj. Kaye Robert Straight was my father. He died recently (12 Aug 2023) at age 87. He had 2 tours of duty in Vietnam: 68-69 and Jul 71-Jun 72. Several years ago, he showed me many photos of the Engineering School there. Was reminiscing about him before his upcoming funeral on Friday and came across this fabulous site.
Yes my Nick name was “number 8. It was given to me by one of the Vietnamese bartenders in that club. She started calling me that when we first started going to Lam Son. Do you remember Leon Brock?
I was rto with a brock but thought it was john, he went home on leave and never came back (awol), I definitely remember having some ten cent budweisers with you at the club , wishing I could see some of you guys again
Your right about brock being called John buy its also Leon. He has a couple of postings on this site. I have been in contact with him since 2012. He sent me a number of pictures and maybe your in them. I can’t say for certain about him going awol, he’s never mentioned it. He has a family and a business in South Carolina. My email address is maryland296@gmail.com. Send me yours and I’ll email those pics. By the way…welcome home.
Hi mister lofgren, William Schmidt here, my e mail is willie.s48@icloud.com or my home is wasch@srt.com, sorry so late in reply
Wow…I’ve been working at the VA too long. Not PTSD but PSDF. Just noticed the goof.
Were you one of the engineers that helped rebuild the swimming pool in May ’71? It was wonderful after it was finished.
I was rto at tm 91 & helped build swimming pool during that time, jerold b chikala was the co , also lt snyder who was john glens son in law also there at the time , both super good people, would like to hear from anyone that remembers me
Hi William, I was on Team 91 when the pool was built. I have a couple of great photos of pouring the concrete over the rebar. Dated May ’71. I was in S-2 working for Lt. Wojtanowicz and later Capt. Rutland and Sgt Covington and Sgt Ulloa. Did we ever meet? I was there from Feb ’71 to Dec ’71 when I got an early drop.
Hi larry gale, I do remember the guys you mentioned, about the time you got there i wassent to either phu giao or tri tom, I helped pour the butreses on outside of pool walls & started forming walls but not the floor, I think I do remember you. I would get back to lam son occasionally but most of my time was either one of them locations, did get to swim in it a few times
Hello, everyone. My father COL (ret) George O. Green, who passed away last November at age 84, was assigned as DSA to Binh Duong Province in 1968. I recently learned from a journal he kept that he was a member of MACV Team #91. From mid-April until 6 June he advised a Popular Force unit (53rd & 54th platoons) at Phu Hoa Dong, where he lived in a compound with six Americans, 50 PF and 50 RD Cadre. His outpost was attacked nightly and on the morning of 4 June, by the 8th BN of the 88th North Vietnamese RGT, a battle published in the Sept 68 issue of “The Hurricane” magazine. Featured in this article are fellow team members SSGT David Turner, First SGT Wiley Wasson, Assistant District Advisor LT Robert Antonius and SGT First Class Raul Martinez. Other members of the team were SGTs Heath and Reyna, and a soldier named White. My father’s counterpart was MAJ Dien and he had an interpreter named Minh. For a brief period, a MATS team stayed at the compound, which included members CPT Eisenhart, LT Hanke, SGT Willingham, SFC Smith & SFC Thompson. They were relocated to another outpost at Tan Thanh Dong on 3, June, and my dad’s team joined them on 6 June. All worked for COL Kitts.
I am writing a book on my father’s Vietnam experience and would like to get in touch with anyone mentioned here, or others who might have known my dad or any of his team members. By the end of September, my dad joined III Corps for the remainder of his tour, which ended in Feb 69. He was a twice decorated BSM for Valor and twice decorated AM for Valor recipient and I couldn’t be more proud.
Thank you in advance for any information you may have to offer. My email address is strata1@sbcglobal.net
Sincerely,
Terry Green
Concerning the period of 1971 and 1972, Does anyone remember the names of the Senior NCO that was the Province Team Medic? I believe he was a Marine the first few tours then came back as and Army SFC. Good guy.
I served on the team from Oct. 1968 to June 1969. I don’t remeber too many comrades as I worked by myself. I lived and ate with the team. I would be interested in seeing other members ppossibly in the fall of the year somewhere in the mid-to the northwest of the country. You can reach me at 73386 Bursera Way, Palm Desert, ca. 92260.
Did you say what was your assignment and rank while on team 91?
J. Michael, my father, Maj. George O. Green was the DSA for Team 91 from April until Oct 1968. He started out at Phu Hoa Dong and later moved to Paris Tan Quy. Any chance you knew him?
Sammy Vasquez got into trouble. He was accused of interfering with official mail. I understood that he intercepted mail relating to him. I did not see or hear about him after he was removed. I hope that he got through it OK. Sammy was a good guy.
I was transferred out of the team in April and was reassigned to the 525 MI Group in Saigon. CPT Rutland was there when I left but he was gone when I came back for a visit in June.
Did you get the pictures?
Cool pictures, thanks. So you were there when the Battle of An Loc was going on just up the road. What was the atmosphere around there at that time? Any special preparations? Once it was over, I’m sure everyone was relieved. Gosney Compound was actually scheduled to be attacked during Tet ’68, but the VC unit bumped into a US recon unit and that attack was called off. I am forever thankful I was assigned to Advisory Teams. Being stuck in a US unit in Saigon or Long Binh would have driven me nuts also.
I was the Ben Cat DIOCC Intell/ Phoenix Advisor from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70. I replaced LT LaPlante but I forgot who replaced me.
On 23 June ’70 three Army guys out of Di An got ambushed and captured about three miles East of Ben Cat. They were on their way from Lai Khe to Phouc Vinh. At first they were listed as MIA but that has been changed to KIA since the release of Intelligence reports thru the Freedom of Information Act. There names were SFC Joe Peterson, SP4 James Rozo and Pvt. Robert Phillps. I think about those poor guys a lot these days- The “why them and not me” syndrome I guess. If anyone removers the incident and can relate more information it waould be appreciated.
I understand the “Why them and not me” feeling. I could have been assigned to Team 47 in Binh Long/An Loc but I was assigned to Team 91 in Binh Duong/Pho Cuong instead. Most of the MACV Advisers on Team 47 did not survive the Siege on An Loc.
The “Easter Offensive” was a interesting experience. J2/G2 had received reports from thier agents in COSVN back in November that a major offensive was being planned and would be executed in February or March. I got a briefing on it when I went to a Phung Hoang conference in Saigon in early December. I provided the information to Chikala and Rutland when I returned. I remember Chikala not giving any reaction and Rutland nodding but no more. G3 and General Hollingsworth (MR3) did not believe that an offensive was likely. Activity in Ben Cat and Tri Tam Districts increased significantly in February. The full offensive started in early March when the NVA invaded Binh Long and laid siege to An Loc. The 5th ARVN left en mass to Binh Long/An Loc.
We were waiting for them to hit us in Binh Duong. The Gosney club room was tense every night and Chikala would give us an update each night. There wasn’t much that we knew about what was going on in Binh Long. USARV was not sharing information. We did get an influx of refugees making our security concerns even greater.
Later in March the Arch Light bombings started. After chow we would take lounge chairs and beer by the pool and look to the West Northwest and watch the sky light up and feel the rumbling earth. Concentrated B-52 bombings were impressive.
I got transferred to 525 in Saigon a few weeks before it was over. It was difficult or impossible to get any more details on what happened in April and May.
Thanks for filling me in. I always wondered what it was like around there during that time. I believe there were some 5th ARVN Advisors that were taken prisoner. The ground shaking from an Arc Light strike was very impressive. I remember one while I was at Lai Khe. I was sitting at my desk and the whole building started shaking. So by the time you came back in August the Team must have been very small. Was one of the clubs still open? Probably winding down and laying off VN personnel.
Our Tri Tam DIOCC was cut off and surrounded for a brief period of time during the offensive. They were running low on food, beer and ammo and we could not get anyone to help them. Chikala collected food from our mess and club and ammo and grabbed two “volunteers” to join him (me and another guy) on a relief mission to Tri Tam. He called down a Work Chopper and we delivered the goods with “stuff” going on all around us.Other than being on a chopper that was called down for a dust off pick up which was 30 seconds of craziness I did not experience any combat directly. I get involved in afteraction Phoenix/Phung Hoang operations. Mostly to identify killed or captured VCI.
John,
I just ordered your book and look forward to reading it.
Completed Infantry OCS 25 June 1967 and was in Vietnam on 30 August 1967. Stopped by at Fort Holabird for four weeks on the way.
There were 20 MI Commissions out of my OCS class and all went directly to Vietnam. From this group, about 15 new 2LT’s were assigned to districts throughout the country as ICEX advisors. In reviewing the history of the Phoenix program, I found that Ambassador Komar had received his funding for ICEX, later Phoenix, in June 1967 and needed to fill the positions.
I was the first ICEX guy in Tri Tam. The only training I received was part of a day working at the “Embassy House” in Binh Duong with Mr. Gardner. I was given a bundle of cash for expenses and told to go build an office and train the PRU that had been hired by the District Chief.
When i got to Tri Tam in mid September, I met with the District Senior Advisor, Major Lovinggood. Apparently, Lovinggood and Mr. Garder did not have a very good relationship. Lovinggood greeted me with:
“LT I don’t have anything against you, but I will have nothing to do with you, your mission and the Agency that you are working for. I have made arrangements for you to share quarters with your counterpart, 1LT Thieu, but you may have meals in our Team House.”
After my primary agent was killed and i survived multiple hand grenades thrown at us inside the District compound, about one tense week later I received a radio call from an inbound helicopter that they would arrive in about 20 minutes to pick me up for reassignment.
I spent my last four months as OB and G-2 Air advisor at the 18th ARVN Division in Xuan Loc.
Clark: Thank you for your comments. I would like to learn more about the ICEX – Phoenix – Phung Hoang activity in Binh Duong Province before I got there in September of 1971. I was way over my head when I arrived. I did not have any more than basic training and CI Agent (97-b) training at Ft. Huachuca (first class to graduate from Ft. Huachuca). I did learn quickly ate the PIOCC and spent a lot of time in the DIOCCs, including Tri Tam, Ben cat, Phu Giao and I have forgotten the other Districts..
I hope that you find 97-Bravo to be interesting. You will see that I was a naive scared kid when I got there but I believe that I did an honorable and competent job when I was there.
Major Feeney was head of Phoenix program about that time, also specialist frank fiearo (sp) worked for him, I got to know well as we were both in same hootch at tm 91 lam son
During the latter part of 1970, I was attached to Team 91, from the 2nd Civil Affairs Company in Long Binh. I had just completed a 6-month tour with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in a rifle company. I met MAJ Feeney (a dentist back in the States, as I recall) as I was the PsyOps/PolWar advisor to a Tu Ta Hai of the ARVN. Very good man, I might add. I believe Synder was Alan Beans son-in-law….
Brice H. Barnes
COL, US Army (Ret)
….actually I know about the Phung Hoang activities in 1971 & 1972. It is the beginning (ICWX and Phoenix) that interests me. I have read alot about the ICEX and Phoenix history but only the broad national overview. I have not read about the early counterinsurgency history of the province. When I was there in 1971 and 1972 I did readin and study the S-2 files on contacts and political history but there was no information on old ICEX activity. I did work with “Mike” my Embassy House contact but we only discussed current activities. Actually he talked and I listened.
John just got your book. very interesting. I was ib Phu Cong in in civilian cover for the 525th MI group iii battlion. Was there from Sept 1967 to Aug 1968. I worked in the compound next to the prison and the MSS Hq. My mos was the same as yours. although my job was geared more to tracking our men who had been captured by the nva/vc.Also I carried out normal background investigations. I was there during the tet offensive of 1968. After a year I transferred to the 1st inf mi unit until my discharge in July 9969. Prior to Vietnam I was working in Washington DC.running background investigations most of which was in the pentigon. Your book was most interesting as it covered the az campus. I did all my training at Fort Holabird.
.
James: Good to get your message. your experiences are interesting. You can see in the book that I wanted to stay in MI for a career but my experience in Operation Homecoming forced me to leave after my enlistment was up. I was working on applying for a Warrant Officer rank when the stuff hit the fan over Maj Kushner’s request and my follow up. John
I traveled to to Binh Doung province with a 1LT who was assigned as the ICEX advisor to Dong Xuoi. The Sector House and Province Staff wanted very little to do with us. They had no room for us to stay at the Sector House so we stayed about two to three nights in the city with the JUSPAO man. He was happy to have two additional US people with weapons living with him. His normal security was about 6 Nung guards with orders to kill anyone roaming his house at night. We were told to make noise if we got up at night to let the guards know who we were.
On the military side the only person who provided us with how operations worked at the Province was 1LT Bob Boyd, the Deputy S-2. Unfortunately Bob was killed in about early November 1967 on an operation with the 5th ARVN Recoondos.
The only other ICEX advisors that I remember meeting were 1LT Wolfert (not sure of spelling) who was killed in Lei Thieu District and crazy 1LT Stan Stanley from Pho Hou Dong (not sure of Spelling). Stan was going to bed one night when he noticed a black pajama guy with an RPG walk by his window. Probably a PRU, he thought, until satchel charges started exploding in the compound. MACV advisors, including Stan, managed to survive by defending an interior perimeter of the compound. According to story legend, John P. Vann showed up the next morning at the District and requested a full briefing from 1LT Stanley about his ICEX program. After being up all night and killing VC as they ran over the burm of the District Compound, Stan told Vann to get back on his white helicopter and get out of the area (left out a few words) while holding a loaded M-60.
Clark: The counterinsurgency (Phung Hoang) program was a little better organized and supported by the MACV team team 91 in 1971 & 1972. There still was animosity from other Americans toward us. I could not understand why. Luckily there were no American MACV Team 91 fatalities during my time there (Sep ’71 – April ’72). We were lucky in Binh Duong during the 1972 Easter Offensive. Most of the acton was in Binh Long and Tay Ninh. Although my Vietnamese Interpreter, SGT Thanh, was killed in a rocket attack in Ben Cat.
The Phung Hoang (formerly Phoenix & ICEX) program was sometimes more administrative with data collection and reporting than “neutralization”. I doubt that anyone in Saigon read our reports except for a few reporters. I once read a week-old copy of Stars & Stripes that had word-for-word excerpts from one of my Province “Big MAC” reports. I assume that ICEX and Phoenix operations years were more operation oriented.
My interpreter in Ban Cat in 1970 was Nguyen Van Thanh. Did you ever meet him?
Yes. He was a good friend. I am sorry to say he was killed in Ben Cat during the Easter Offensive, when a VC/NBA rocket hit an ammo dump. I have a good picture of him in front of our Phung Hoang office.
Did you know my father Capt Norman Saliman or any one that may have?
When and where did your father serve? Was he in MACV? In what province? What time period?
John,
Thanks for that sad information. I got very close to Thanh also. So sad to hear. His wife gave birth to a girl back then. He asked me for a name suggestion so I said “Kathy” who was my girlfriend.
If that photo you have is handy, please e-mail it to me at hagners3@comcast.net?
Don: I will send the picture in a few minutes. I remember him talking about his wife and baby. I believe that they lived in the Saigon area. He wanted to move his family to the US after the war. He said that Major Gaun had promised to make arrangements for him. The toughest part was calling Major Gaun when I returned home to tell him about SGT Thanh’s death.
I have been haunted by the memory that I was partially responsible for his death. I wrote about him in my book, “97-Bravo”.
Hello, I’m trying to find out more about my uncle and those that may have known him. I cannot figure out how to write a post on this site. My uncle is Norman H. Strength KIA March 1970. My family is gone, all passed away now so I don’t have anyone to answer questions so I’m trying my best to track down what I can. ANY help, information on how to post here, any links would be GREATLY appreciated.
Dear Benita:
I did not know SP4 Norman Strength as he was killed in action in Binh Duong province 18 months before I arrived. I did check records and found that he was an Armor Intelligence Specialist in the 11th Cavalry, not a member of the MACV Team 91. The records indicate that he was killed in action by an “explosive device”. at the age of 22 on March 26, 1970. As you may know he is listed on The Wall at 12W-047. There are other visitors to this blog that may have known your uncle that may be able to provide more detailed personal information.
Best regards, John Swatosh
Hi Josh, you mentioned you “checked records” how can I do this? No one seems to remember my dad. although he wasn’t KIA he was shot one more than one occasion. NARA is stonewalling me and I feel full of crap. My mom took 90% of his paperwork and records. And I’m lost between acronyms and basic structure of MACV. My dad was SSG Charles Hudson (Not to be confused with LT Hudson from TX.) Anything you could tell me would literally make my day
I’m still looking for anyone who served in Vietnam with my Uncle, Sgt Hugh G Willard. I ran across a plaque that was given I’m assuming to my grandparents(his parents) when he was KIA on 23 December 1967. There were a list of names on there and was wondering if anyone knows of them or how to contact them. The names(last names) on the plaque are as follows: Stallard, Cowley, Bullock, Griffis, Gales, Najar, Pasley, and Mr Browne.
Looking for any information on my uncle larry wayne Barnard. His nickname was “birddog” I know he was killed 2-13-1968.
Vern Greunke here former “Radio Research” guy. (ARMY Security Agency) we operated a PRD-1 Portable? radio direction finding unit out on the helipad at Ben Cat. Aug. 66-July 67 (more or less) would love to hear from anyone in that area from MACV team. I was also at Phu Hoa Dong, Thoi Hoa (just south of BC, and Trung Lap. Went on “runs” up to Lai Khe at times also. Have DVD with 330 pictures of the area at the time. Would send to anyone who was there or remembers me (or not) I do recall a red headed Lt. or Cpt. from Omaha area working with an orphanage or something. Wondering if he is still in area. I live close to Omaha.
Vern Greunke
Vern, I would love to get a copy of your CD with the photos
Send me your address backchannel to: heyvern@asalives.com ask for the Beller’s Fellar’s DVD …. thanks!
Would you have any pictures of the Phu Hoa Dong compound or the 110′ TOWER #1?
Hi Bob, I just found your comment about photos of Phu Hoa Dong. I have a few pics, not many, of the compound I can send you when I receive your email address, along with a map of the area.
Hi strata1, I’m new to this site and not sure how to get my email address to you without posting it.
I understand, Bob. My email address is strata1@sbcglobal.net If you email me, I’ll have your return email address and it won’t appear here. I can then send you the map, photos, etc. of Phu Hoa Dong.
Here’s my email address: strata1@sbcglobal.net
Was that MAJ Ten Eyk, the Team XO during 1970?
Still looking for anyone who served with my uncle Sgt Hugh Willard in Vietnam. KIA 23 Dec 1967
hi doug bill phelps I was reassigned just before tet back down to tem 91 then to chau thanh the major didn’t like me took me out of the field in the iron triangle we found the tunnels my pru and me I think you where out with us on some of our pru operations bill
Hello Bill. It has been a long time since our experience in VIETNAM. I have been following Team 91 for a couple of years. I guess it has been long enough not contacting my brother in arms.
Yes. The major was a piece of work. Up in the morning with a beer in his hand and retiring at night with a beer in his hand. A great way to enjoy his tour.
doug if you want you can call me at 1-413-424-7016 I’m thinking of going back out west again
I remember you then you faded away. Sad that you are the only one even though its my understanding he saved many men. They say he was killed by the wind changing when burning a snipers post where I believe that is ridicules and that he was killed when the sniper shot his gas can and the army just buried it.
Would like to know if anyone here has information on my bother Capt Bernard F Jones KIA oct 16 1967 was member Adv Team 91 65-67 never received any information about his dead or his duties would like to receive any information
my name is bill phelps I was stationed with lt. jones at the time of his death and how it happened and where and who he was with. call me at 1-413-424-7016
Norman S Saliman,
Joel, I talked to you many years ago and I was just looking for any more info on your Dad on the net as he is on my mind quite often. I was looking in the MACV Team links. I served with Norm Saliman his 1st Tour with the 1/5th out of Cu Chi in 66 and till I went home on Feb 2nd 67. Norm (Sally as we use to call him) by far was the BEST Plt Ldr I ever had the Honor of serving under of the 5 I had in a year (mostly 1966) I made many post on Nor and I truly LOVED him very much and for as long as I live, he LIVES. I am on facebook with his neice and I have talked to his X Wife and 2 Sons in the past when I found them in San Dieago many years ago when I lived in upstate NY. I have a few pictures of him and I know he took many of me as I was one of his Squad Ldrs in the 1st Plt of B Co 1st Bn 5th inf 25th (Reactionary Force in 1966 for war Zone C & parts of D)
We have a few pictures of him on our website under B Co and over the years I have talked to a few of his Guys he was with I found by their postings back a lot of years ago. Sally was one of the BEST Officers anyone could of ever had in Combat.
Kim,
I was the Assistant District Senior Advisor (1Lt.)for Chau Thanh District from April, 1968 until April, 1969. During that time Major George L (Pat) Quinn was the Senior District Advisor. I did most of the combat operations with my team, SSG Phelps, SFC Clemmie Brown, our Medic SGT Lazenby (Later SSG Butterworth) and my RTO SGT Tracey. I also was responsible for the Phoenix Program after our Intel Officer left and also the Strategic Hamlet Program. Your mom, I believe, was the Team secretary during that time and worked at the District compound with me at Chau Thanh. She was a very nice person and worked hard. I am thankful that she was able to come to the United States. If your Dad was the interpreter at Chau Thanh then I know who you were speaking of and he too was a great soldier and very brave. I spoke Vietnamese but sometimes it didn’t come out the way I wanted it too and he would interpret what I wanted to say to my counterparts. Times were pretty rough then…I did return in 1970 and served with the Special Forces and the Rangers in the Delta as a Captain and left in 1971.
Bill Malone
SGMMalone@aol.com
Hi, everyone. I found this page from Ron Osimo. I see that Bill Lofgren is here, as well. My dad, Tin Nguyen, was an interpreter for the Vietnamese during the war. He’s been looking for a lot of people. Since he and my mom, Co Van (she was a secretary), came to the U.S. with my older sister in December 1980, we’ve found Ron, Bill, Harry (Scott) Foster, Ray Gandy, Gary Frye, and a couple of others. After arriving in San Diego with my sister, my brother and I were born and we all still live here. If any of you remember my parents, I’d love to connect with you. Email: kvlnguyen82@gmail.com and phone: 619.2036.3754
I just found this website and noticed you mentioned Ron Osimo. I would love to get in touch with him. I was 1Lt with team 91 from July 68 to July 69. I advised the 694 RF/PF unit.
I was headquartered in Binh Duong, the provincial capital. I remember major Moore and Col Kitts.
Jeff kleinman
I have been looking all over for you. Here is my Cell Phone- 603-315-9446. I live in Rindge, NH 03461 at 185 Thomas Road. I hope to talk to you soon.
While I wasn’t officially a member of Team 91, I was OPCON to the Team from the 2nd Civil Affairs Company after my unit of previous assignment was sent home. I came from the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, where I commanded a rifle company; this was my second tour in RVN. One of the Team 91 members was had worked with the head of Chrysler, and had many good things to say about the guy. AS I recall, his name was Robert Osman, or something like that, and a fine fellow indeed! Any body remember any one vaguely resembling that name?
Brice H. Barnes
COL, US Army (Ret)
Great hearing from you. I’ll give you a call tomorrow. Hope all is well with you and yours.
I was hoping to find someone who served with or knew well my father-in-law Raymond (Ray) Fleigh that might be willing to speak with me.
I was with Col. Ray Fleigh and Team 91. Steve Blackwell 803-920-3157
Sorry Stephen. I only met him once in Sept ’69, on my way up to Ben Cat. I remember there was a SP4 or Sergeant named Shreve with him there in Phu Choung
To Steve Blackwell – I was on Team 91 – MAT 4 1Lt Infantry – Ben Cat from November 69 to July 70 when Col Fleigh moved me out of the field to Province HQ. He made me S4 – bless him! The things you could trade for toilet paper were amazing. Steve were you a captain at HQ and a HAM radio operator? If so I remember you. I remember throwing one hell of a farewell party when we left in November. We even had Col Fleigh on stage dancing with the Philipino girls!
Bob Hathaway
Bob, I think I remember you. I reported to team 91 at Phu Cuong in Sept ’69 and promptly went to Vung Tau for training, then went to the Ben Cat DIOCC. What was your assignment?
Assistant team leader under Myles Karson then Captain Blake
Did you know a LT Hudson?
I new him as he was transferred out of the team and Karson was made team leader when I arrived.
I remember Karson and Hudson. Not sure of the circumstances but I’m pretty sure it was at Ben Cat. I think Karson was from New England and Hudson was from Texas
Hi Don. My late father, then Maj George Green, was DSA for Team 91 from April ’68 until I believe sometime in Sept. of ’68. In my dad’s Vietnam journal, he talks of a trip he took to Vung Tau (I assume for training) in late May of ’68. He stayed at the Pacific Hotel, which he described as a “rat’s nest.” I’m trying to learn as much as i can about the activities of Team 91, and also about the training at Vung Tau. Might you give me any info of what the training entailed, where it took place, etc.? Thanks in advance.
There seem to be some new folks so I will give this another shot… Does anyone happen to recall a SSG by the name of Charles Hudson?? I believe he was there in May 67-Nov 68
No, Ron brand I was their in 1967 1968 ..did any one know cpt. Ron osmo
Was Capt. Rutland still there when you left? You left in Feb? How was Myanmar? Did you go on a tour from BKK or some other way? That’s next on my list.
Larry
Do not recall if Rutland was still there. Know that there were not many – Chikalla and Bailey were still there.
Myanmar – more temples than you can imagine. Our tour was arranged by a group out of London – Cazenove + Loyd. Stay on the water as much as you can – Inle Lake with the boatmen rowing with there legs was great – several stops on shore that brought us close to the people and how they spend their lives. The Irrawaddy River was also interesting, particularly the stops on shore. The people were fantastic. Mandalay – not much there, better to stay on a boat. Yangon is well worth your time. Food comes mostly from the water – I liked it, my wife not so much.
Surprised how much the Buddhists hate the Muslims from Bangladesh – they really want to send them out to sea, with or without boats. Thought they were peaceful.
My Major’s name was not Bill Bailey, it was William Bailey Payton. A good man.
The hotels now in Siem Reap on the way to the Angkor complex are really first class now and not expensive by our standards. I went in early Dec. A great time to go before the tourist rush after Christmas. They use US dollars also so no conversion. Laos was cool also. So now we are going to sell weapons to the communist Vietnamese so they can protect themselves against the Communist Chinese. How things have changed in the last 45 years. It was an experience that certainly changed my life.
Larry
Hello Byron, Some engineering types and a bunch of us on the team rebuilt the swimming pool in May 71 so we had a nice clean one to enjoy. The previous one had a plastic liner that got infected. I was lucky enough to get the occasional trip to Saigon also and grab a hamburger and milk shake over at MACV HQ. That was a different world down there. I was actually glad that I was on a Team like 91 that wasn’t so stuffy. Do you know what happened to the girls that worked in the club? I suppose they got laid off as the team got smaller. I went to the Angkor complex last year. Amazing, but I sure would not have wanted to go in ’71. People in Cambodia are quite young now and have no memory of the war. They are very friendly. As I said in an earlier post on this website, I heard that Lam Son is gone and has been turned into a country club, how funny is that? Do you plan to ever go back to VN to look around? I would really like to go sometime. I have relatives in Bangkok so I might just pop over sometime when I’m visiting. Great to hear from you. Let’s see who else might show up one of these days.
Larry
Almost returned last year. We went to Myanmar (Burma) and thought about Viet Nam and even found someone who knew where Phu Chung (sp?) had been. Since it was no more, we decided that there was not much for us to see so we did not go. Our trip to Cambodia was just after Pol Pot was captured – so there was still some fighting going on. No comfortable hotels – and few tourists. Know that it has changed a lot since then. Had to get our visas in Thailand – it was a great trip even if the hotel bar kept a Khmer flag, just-in-case. Right, the people, despite the horrors of the killing fields, were wonderful.
No knowledge of what happened to the girls or our drivers – hope it was better than I imagine.
J.C. Wilson. Hey-I was with Team 91 @ Lai Thieu in 64-65 as the Radio Operator, then shipped out to Binh Duong Province Hqts in 65. Hope to hear from someone from that time. My home # is 248-967-1543.
Hello Byron, The virtue of a smaller team was that the enlisted folks like me got to know the officers a little better. Do you remember the Navy officer named Donarum? A really nice guy. There was someone else that came on the team after I left named Spc. F. Hoehne (sp?). I was corresponding with some people in the compound and that was the name for the APO address. The mail stopped around March as I remember. Keep in touch.
Larry Gale
Yes; not much protocol separating us by rank! There was one Major who took it seriously, but he was the only one that I recall. Did you ever get to go on the trips to Saigon to get supplies for the clubs? Had some great meals. And we got to play baseball, basketball, ping-pong, and we shared the pool (war was hell in Phu Chung) and we shared guard duties.
I remember a Navy officer (but not his name; mostly saw him around the pool) and a guy from the State Department (wanted me to go with him to Cambodia, Ankor Wat – Col Chikala said fine BUT: no uniform and, if you are caught, you are a spy and you will be executed. We didn’t go. But I did go several years ago.) – think they worked together as I recall. Don’t recall anyone new arriving that late. There were very few us when I left – I even had one side of the permitter when we went on alert – of course it was the side facing the Vietnamese base – didn’t really need me either.
Good memories – good that you try to stay in touch – glad that I began this search on Memorial Day.
Byron, I was attached to this Team from the 2nd Civil Affairs Company out of Long Binh. I was a captain at the time, and I saw that you mentioned LTC Chikala. As I recall, he was ‘bullet head’ usually shaved bald. Would like to talk. 512-657-2409.
Yes, Chikala had a shaved head. He was Army but a leader that I (and as far as I could tell, most of the others) would follow; accepted that not all of us were hard-core. He cared about what mattered and let the other stuff slide. AC 512 – Austin? Not far. I’m in Houston. Don’t remember you – may have never met, but I’ll call.
Hello Byron, Sure, I remember you. It’s nice to hear from someone who was on the team during that time. I wasn’t supposed to leave until Jan 72 and all of a sudden my name showed up on the Dec. booking roster. Spc. Bain and I were working part time in the mail room because Spc. Vasquez had gone home on compassionate leave. I left RVN around Dec. 20 and was home by Dec. 24. I had a note from Spc. Bain in January. So they asked for volunteers to leave? It looks like the team was shut down sometime in April or May. There was a unit citation awarded that I saw somewhere. Great to hear from you on this day to honor those who weren’t as lucky as we were.
Spc Vasquez – remember him being upset at someone who said he was not a citizen since he was from Puerto Rico. Did not recall that he had gone home on compassionate leave. Good memories except for September 16; good guys. Hard to believe it’s been 45 years. Saw a post from Spc John Brock who said he left in April 1972.
I’m in Houston – retired. Was a tax lawyer for a law firm in Baltimore, the IRS, and, for most of my career, with Shell Oil in Houston. Briefly moved to Chicago after retiring from Shell, but returned to Houston a couple of years ago. Most of my volunteer hours are spent with second graders at Yellowstone Academy – very rewarding.
You (and anyone else from that time) can reach me at: byron.furseth@yahoo.com.
Hello Greg, It’s great to hear from you. Meeting you that day in Lai Khe changed my path in the Army and transferring to Team 91 for my second year in RVN was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was going to spend my second year in RVN anyway and you gave me a great alternative. Besides getting back to Lam Son and hot showers (haha), I met some really great people like you and Capt. Rutland, your successor, Sgts. Covington and Ulloa in S-2 and Spc. Bain in Admin. I still have Christmas cards from LTC. Chikalla and Sgt. Van even though I wasn’t there for Christmas ’71. I was lucky enough to see my name on a December booking roster (what a surprise!) and actually got home Dec. 24, 1971. It looks like the team may have been disbanded in the first half of ’72. I was writing letters to people on the team when the mail stopped around March. There have been some lively discussions over on the Team 70 website among several of us who were there during that time, both in Lam Son and Lai Khe. One of the guys was able to go back to the area a few years ago. It appears as though Gosney Compound is gone and the area has been turned into a country club (the irony of that). Some of Lai Khe is still there probably because it’s was way out in the boonies. Phu Cuong city was renamed to Thu Dao Mot. I would like to go back and look around sometime. Things have gone well for me and my time in the Army built a good base to start from. I hope things have gone well with you. Keep in touch.
Larry Gale
Okay, so you were not there for Christmas 71. But I do know that we spent some time together. Bain I remember – had a desk next to mine. Also Major William Bailey and Sgt Jenkins. Were you there when those three were killed in an ambush in Tri Tam or was that after you left? There was a Captain who worked with Rutland – built kind of like Col Chikala, barrel chested who was one of those killed. A Major in Tri Tam and a Sargent who was scheduled to go home the next day were the other two. A medic was badly wounded but survived. A real tragedy, they were responding to their Vietnamese associates who had been caught in an ambush when they were caught as well. Anyway, hope to hear back. Byron Furseth
I replaced the SGT that was killed in the ambush. I was with Adv. Team 91 from September ’71 to April ’72. I was the Phung Hoang guy. I initially worked for MAJ Gaun, until he rotated home. I bunked in the hooch with SPC Bain. LTC Chikala was the best officer that I ever served with.
Hello John,
I remember you. This is Larry Gale. I worked in S-2 with Capt. Rutland. I left the team in mid-Dec. ’71 with an early drop. What was it like when you left? I imagine the team was pretty small by then. Have you heard from Bain? I guess the team was wrapping up about that time (April ). Great to hear from you.
Larry: Good to get your message! I have not communicated with anyone from Adv. Team 91 since May or June of 1972. The place got real busy in February – April of 1972 with the big Easter Offensive in Binh Long and the “Seige of An Loc”. I was busy doing more S-2 than Phung Hoang work during that time. The Phung Hoang program was cut in half in April and I was reassigned to the 525 MI Group in Saigon where I stayed until August. However, I did return to the Team 91 compound in about late May or early June. I took a few fellow CI Agents there for a day trip. Most of the team was gone. There was only one club open and only a few of the girls were still working. LTC Chikala had gone home by then and his replacement was nothing like him. There was no discipline or security. I only recognized the SSG that was in charge of the mess hall. Can’t recall his name.
I wrote a book about my year in Vietnam and the following two years in MI. It is titled 97-Bravo. You might find it interesting and bring back some memories. I have some photos I can send you of the club, the pool, etc. Send my your e-mail address. JOHN
Hi John,
My email is LVRMG@hotmail.com. I like to see some of your pictures. I have some myself. Shoot me an email.
Will do. Check out a book 97-Bravo. It includes Adv. Team 91.
I would like to see your photos too.
• Hi John, My name is Bill Lofgren, I was the RTO/Rural Development NCO for Chau Thanh District team 91 from June-69 through Jan. 71. In February of 71 I was transferred up to Tri Tam after Chau Thanh District was moved to Lam Son base camp. From 2-71 through 6-71 I served as RTO. with Major John Lawrence and Captain Bell, then returning to Lam Son June of 71 to finish out my last two of a total of 27 months in Binh Duong.
•On 9-16-71, Maj. Lawrence, Capt. Bell and SFT George Boulware were killed in an ambush while responding with a reactionary force to reported VC activity. . RTO Leon Brock who I helped train and is a close friend handled the radio support. Hope this helps out. I left country in Aug.71, just weeks before the ambush. Welcome home.
It was Captain James Wells who was killed, not Captain Bell, along with Maj. Lawrence and SFC Boulware. It was a sad night.
Your right….Be safe.
Bill: Thank you for your response. I arrived just after you left. I knew a little about the ambush in Tri Tam but learned much more years later when I was doing research for a book that I was writing. I was the headcount replacement for SGT Boulware but LTC Chikala assigned me to the PIOCC becasue I did not have enough experience to work on a district team, I had just graduated from Ft. Huachuca and was a fresh new 97-b. I wasn’t fresh or new very long. the two officers in the PIOCC were sent home by December and I assumed the PIOCC as the interim PIOCC Adviser until April 1972 when I was transferred to the 525 MI Group in Saigon. I did not like the idea of becoming a “REMF”.
I served as a CI Agent in Saigon until August 1972 and then worked in a resident office in Michigan until I was transferred to the IRR and Ft. Holabird where I was involved in Operation Homecoming.
Im William Schmidt, was rto at tri tam , was fifth man on team, one day after I went home for month leave major lawrance , sgt boulware who was suppose to leave next day and a captain were all kia by company of nva about 1 klick south of compound. Incident was September 21 71, I returned to team around October 20 so probably worked with you, also sgt dougherty was badly wounded in ambush, somehow crawled & made his way back to compound to be dusted off by arvn , never heard if he made it or not
Found our associates who were killed. Maj. John Lawrence, Captain James Wells, and First Sargent George Boulware. They were killed on September 16, 1971. We honor them today, Memorial day, May 30, 2016.
Was CPT. David Sparks your Phoenix Advisor? David was my roommate while we were at the Army Intelligence School at Ft. Holabird, MD during the summer of 1970. I was the Phoenix Advisor in Phu Khuong Tay Ninh MACV Team 90.
I do not recall the name. Larry Gale would be a better person to ask.
Sorry I don’t remember the name of the Phoenix Advisor either in 1971. Holabird must have been close to closing down by Summer of 70. I was there Nov/Dec 69. What a cold, miserable place in those terrible holding barracks waiting for class to start. I almost got pneumonia.
Phoenix name was changed to Phung Hoang in 1971. It was part of the “Vietnamization” concept. The Team 91 Senior Phoenix/Phung Hoang Advisor in 1971 was Major Gaun until late November. I sort of replaced him for the next four months.
The USAICS school at Holabird closed in early 1971. The new USAICS school opened in June 1971 at Ft. Huachuca. I was in the first 97-b class out of Ft. Huachuca and my first assignment was MACV Team 91.
Hi John,
So you were essentially my replacement in S2 after I left since we were both Intel MOS’s. When did Capt. Rutland leave?
Larry: I was not officially transferred to S-2. I was asked to help out with S-2 but Phoenix/Phung Hoang remained my primary responsibility. I believe that CPT Rutland was still S2 when I was transferred to the 525 MI Group in April. Who was the S-2 sergeant that was from Puerto Rico? He was a good friend but I cannot recall his name.
Did you play in the Gosney Team 91 Sunday softball games? Do you recall the special Buffalo, Beans & Beer Sunday afternoons?
I do have photos of activities at Gosney that I can email to you.
John
I certainly remember the softball games. I was there from July or August 1971 until February 1972. It shocked me that we (I had responsibility for the two clubs) could charge a quarter for drinks, 15 cents for sodas and make enough to supply drinks for free on Sunday. I still can’t picture you – but in time . . ., perhaps. I well remember the three who were killed because I spent a couple of days with them in Tri Tam but never returned after the ambush. I particularly remember SFC Boulware because he had come down a few days before because he thought his tour was ending. He was a week early, so he returned to Tri Tam – more tragic because he had just been married before being sent to Viet Nam. Still, I should remember you from softball or from sitting around the pool afterwards.
Byron: I have pictures i can send you if you provide your email address. I played a lot of shortstop and 3B. I looked forward to the Sunday games and beer and fresca and hot sun.
I looked up SGT Boulware online and found his bio. Being his headcount replacement I felt a strange connection.
My e-mail is: byron.furseth@yahoo.com
Hi John,
Sgt. Ulloa was the last S2 Sgt I worked with. He was from Guam. I have a picture of him with me and Capt. Rutland sitting in the club after one of the Vietnamese bands came to entertain us. I’ll send you the picture. Sgt. Ulloa replaced Sgt. Covington in S2. I don’t remember when. I was on Team 91 from Feb ’71 to Dec ’71. I was with Team 70 just up the road at Lai Khe from Jan 70 to Dec 70 and then transferred to Team 91. Us Intell guys had to be flexible.
That’s him! Thank you. I worked a lot with him, coordinating between Phoenix/Phung Hoang and S-2. Yes it was Guam. It was Sammy Vasquez that was from PR. They were both friends.
Did Sam Vaquez ever come back? He was on compassionate leave and I was working the mail room when the Dec. booking roster came in and my name was on it to my great surprise. So I never saw him again. We were in the same hooch as I remember. We took over one of the outside hooches and the First Sgt. was very upset. He wanted to have a perimeter of empty buildings.
I think Capt. Rutland was due to rotate out in May on a normal schedule. I would guess he had no replacement. Any idea when he left?
I served as the Phoenix guy on the district team in Phuoc Vinh from October 1969 to 1970. The team members on the district team and the two MAT teams were great.
I met William Casey (former CIA head and creator of the Phoenix program on K street in WDC circa 1974. He was buying an umbrella and surprised I recognized him. I wanted to tell him I recognized him from the Wanted Dead or Alive Posters at Dupont Circle. Instead I told him my experience working in the program wasn’t as memorable as he described it.
Peter, we worked together when I led MAT lll-6. Contact me via e-mail, if you like.
Terry, it’s good to hear from you. I have some pics of me on Facebook. I’ve been back to Vietnam twice on business trips. The first one I went to phouc vinh. Nice to see it without the barb wire and 500 lb craters. Was glad to update my memories. Hope you’re well.
hi peter bill phelps, I served with the PRU in ben cat 1967 – 1970 , mr. tu was my team leader, loc was my best friend. I was a ssg. and did 0ver 200 operations plus going out with u.s. units
SSG Phelps: I just happen to come across this web site. I served with Advisor Team 91 from March 1967 to March 1968 as Assistant RF/PF Advisor, returned in September 1968 to September 1969 was Senior RF/PF Advisor returned in July 1970 to March 1972 as DSA Ben CAT. I retired in 1985. I spent 25 years with the USMC as their Principal Field Engineer (Air Defense) and went on to Desert Storm, 10 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. I can bring you up to speed what happen right up to 1975 when Vietnam fell. We have mutual friends that are in the United States after being held in concentration camps for 18 years in North Vietnam. CPT Loc is in Washington D.C. My email is ronosimo@aol.com. If you get a chance give me a shout. My Cell Phone is 603-315-9446
did you happen to know a SSG Charles Hudson?
When was here there? I remember a SSG Hudson that was the Mess Sergeant.
If I remember correctly, mid 67-end of 68. I’m sorry for my delayed response I never saw your comment. feel free to email me at sheedevil84@gmail.com
Ron,
I left Ben Cat in Sept ’70. Was the Intell officer at the DIOCC. I guess you replaced Maj Hoffman?
I often wonder what happened to my interpreter
I believe that I remember you as DSA in Ben Cat. I was the Phoenix/Phung Huang Adviser at province in Phu Cuong and visited Ben Cat often. I do remember a briefing given to General Hollingsworth in about January 1972 in which you spoke truth to power. He did not take it well. I had wondered what had happened to you. Good to see that you kept up the good work.
Dear Lt Col Osimo: My late father, Col George Green Ret, then a major, was the DSA for MACV Team 91 from April ’68 until sometime around Sept. ’68. I am attempting to write a book on my dad’s Vietnam War experience and I see by your description above that you’ve spent considerable time in the Ben CAT Area. I’m particularly interested in learning all I can about the activities of Team 91 from the Tet Offensive on. My dad was assigned to a Ruff/Puff unit at Phu Hoa Dong, from April until about mid-June, when he and his team were reassigned to Paris Tan Quy. I believe he worked with a PRU from June into September, but have very little info on this period, as he stopped writing in his war journal after an attack on his compound on 4 June, ’68. I would appreciate any information you have to offer and can be reached via email at Strata1@sbcglobal.net. Thank you for your service and in advance for any assistance you might give me. –Terry Green
Bill,
I think we served together at Ben Cat.
I was the Phoenix advisor from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70
Hello Major Gaun,
I don’t know if you will remember me, but I was the Spc5 Intel Analyst that worked for Capt. Rutland in S-2. I transferred from Team 70 at Lai Khe in Feb. 1971 and left in Dec. 1971 on an early drop as part of Nixon’s withdrawal program. We met several times when you stopped by to see Capt. Rutland. Do you know when the team was disbanded? My last communication with members on the team was March 71. I hope you are doing well.
Larry Gale
Larry- Don’t know if you remember me, 1LT Greg Wojtanowicz. I was the S2 advisor who “recruited” you to team 91 when you were assigned to Lai Ke. I was fortunate enough to get a 30 day drop and so our time together was somewhat limited. I hope your decision to transfer units worked out well for you. You were always an astute OB man and made my life easier through your hard work. I’m sure that I was too young and callow at the time to extend my thanks to you for all that you did, but I’d like to make amends at this late date. I received a couple of letters from LTC Chikalla after I left and learned of the ambush in Tri Tam that claimed Major Lawrence from one of them. Hope life has treated you well in the ensuing decades. Should you wish, I can be contacted at: gregpolack@aol.com. I reside in Bozeman, MT. Thanks for all you did. greg
Welcome, George. We are glad you joined us. I was Team Leader (O-3) of MAT lll-6. I reported to Major Jim Nation. The PSA was Colonel Fleigh. I served as Senior Advisor from December 1969 to June 1970. I transferred in to Team 91 after serving a tour with the First Cav as Div Arty S-1 then 1/30th S-2. Please fill us in on your duties in country.
George A. Gaun says: November 23,2015 @ 2.33hrs; Major, US Army Retired; Military Intelligence; assigned to MACV Advisory Tm 91; 1971. 30 -months in Vietnam; all in 1st ID AO. I saw this address in The VVA Veteran/s Magazine. LTC Gerald Chikala was the Binh Duong Province Senior Advisor. I was the Phuong Huong Advisor. Nice to be aboard!
My response to Larry Gale and Terry Maris: Many thanks for your response. I don’t check this site very often. I’m 81 now and memories dim. Hope you guys are fine. I’m living in Sierra Vista, AZ since 1975; retired in 1993 at Ft.Huachuca. You can reach me at ggaun1@cox.net. God Bless you.
George: I feel better calling you Major Gaun Sir. I hope that you are still around and doing well. This is John Swatosh, then CPL Swatosh. We last spoke in 1973 when I informed you of the death of SGT Thanh. I think of him often. He was a good man and a great friend. JOHN
I was living with Ad team 91 from Oct 1967 to Sept 1958. I was supposed to be assigned to a LT. who was transfered home after his father had been murdered. I then worked by myself until I transfered to 1st Inf Div. for 6 months. My main work was with the Vietnamese MSS as an advisor on Military Intil. I wore civilian clothes and had no army ID on me. The cover organiiation was known as CRD. It seems to me Doc Johson accidently shot himself with a pistol that fell out of his locker. I met some great guys on the team only trouble is I can.t recall their names. I am getting to old..
hi mike I was with the ben cat team in 67 and went to chau thanh after tet 68 my name is William f phelps ssg worked with the pru
I remember your base camp at Ben Cat as I had to pass it to get to our hqs in Li que. (SP) ???. It was surrounded by wire and claymore mines. You were there the same time I was there. I hardly remember any names of the guys I was with as I pretty much kept to myself since I was really not assigned to the team as many guys were. My job was different than most as I worked a agent network reporting on the VC and NVA. I certainly remembwer the tet offensive as I was traveling by myself to get to our hqts in Long Bein. Did not see any people in the villages I passed thru. Got to Cu Chi the 1st Div base camp and they could not believe I had gone thru that area as the nva was moving troops to saigon on the road I traveled. I guess since I was in civilian clothes driving a blue jeep I was not that worth bothering.
Just found this sight – was in Ben Cat 70 -71 MAJ Osimo was DSA – lived in Chanh Phu Hoa – MAT 104 w/ LT Tom Tvrdik & SGT’s Jones, Johnson & “doc” Johnson – got my “ticket to the world” punched by a VC IED on a joint Op with the 11th ACR early in FEB71
Mac: Just found this site. Here is my email address ronosimo@aol.com. My cell at 603-315-9446. I left Ben Cat in March 1972. Retired as a LTC in 1985. Worked with Raytheon for 25 years supporting the USMC. Married and live in Rindge, New Hampshire. Lets connect.
I was with Team 91 from February 1971 to December 1971. Does anyone know when the team was disbanded. I am guessing sometime in 1972 because i lost contact with friends over there. I worked for Capt. Rutland in S-2.
Your name is very familiar but I can’t quite place it. We played some softball didn’t we? I do remember Capt Rutland. Played a lot of basketball with him and we had a fun Christmas at Bien Hoa (sp?) watching Bob Hope and we exchanged presents. Rutland got some sun tan lotion from me. Ha! Think you were there – just can’t get the face. I left at the end of February 1972 because the war was winding down and they asked for volunteers to leave. I did not hesitate for that assignment. The Team was still alive, but probably was abandoned in the next few months.
Wanted to pass on that Sgt Raymond E. Glover passed away May 7th 2015 due to lung cancer, agent orange, heart disease. He will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in the next few months. If you would like to have any additional information please let me know.
Gmacdonald3381@gmail.com
Mike Weeks, could I get your email address?
My email is jweeks386@aol.com be sure to put on what it is about so I don’t delete it.
I’m looking for a Lt. Dave Ribachi who was assigned to Tm 91 during 1968. He had an Arty. MOS and was a good friend while we were there. He also was a rugby player and I later saw him on the rugby pitch. Anyone know his whereabouts? I was with HQ in Phu Cuong on the Saigon River, about 13 clicks north of Saigon. Anyone else there during 1968?
I was 1st Lt Lee in MATS team 3-1 assigned to regional forces advisory team in cu chi district area in phu cong province. I was on a team in trung an village under Cpt Crocker who died after i left in 69 my e mail jbarrylee@verizon.net
I took over MAT 3-1 in the Cu Chi district after James Lee rotated out and later worked with Captain Ronald Osimo at Team 91 headquarters in Binh Duong. My email is rh_hunt@comcast.net
Roger, just came across this site lets get in touch. My email is ronosimo@aol.com. My cell phone is 603-315-9446. After I left for the Career Course I returned to Binh Duong Province as DSA in Ben Cat from July 1970-March 1972. Then the Army finally sent me to get my degree. Four years in 18 months. Retired in 1985 as a LTC. Spent 25 years with Raytheon as the USMC Principal Field Engineer. I have been to Desert Storm and ten deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. SGT Tin lives in San Diego with his family his wife Van and three outstanding kids. Lets get in touch my email is ronosimo@aol.com, cell phone 603-315-9446.
Hello, Roger. did you work with my parents, Tin Nguyen and Co Van? I believe your name came up over the weekend while we were on the phone with Ron. If you’d like to connect, I’d be more than happy to chat with you. Phone: 619.203.3754 and email: kvlnguyen82@gmail.com. Thank you.
saw your posting on the net. Were you there with Sfc Smith, Gambrel, Reid (our medic) and me . We were all on the operation when Cpt Crocker was killed. I t was an operation in the Spider Web on July 8,69 just south of the Saigon river.
Spo
I worked TOC communications 67/68 and worked with Ribachi as DO many times – was shotgun on his trips to Saigon. He owes me a shotgun. I am trying to find Lt Blume. We spent some very interesting times in the field.
James Kent Windship, if you are the one I met in the Chicago O’HARE airport mid 1967’s. we were standing in line for a flight to California. Our eyes made contact, I asked where are you headed and without hesitation you answered, “VIETNAM. Where the HELL do you think”!
From then on we stayed in contact while in country.
Doug,
I remember well, went all the way from O’Hare to Team 91 together. Went to Vung Tau for first R&R. Saw you for a few minutes as you were leaving. How are you? Sometimes it seems like yesterday. Good to hear from you.
Kent
@
hello Bill, remember being with you at Ben Cat and a few other spots in III corps.
The iron triangle is a defeat memory yo which still runs in my mind till this day.
The group of s assigned to team 91 were a motely group. Looking back we couldn’t be more than early 20″s How the devil did we ever survive?
Sorry I have taken so long to reply but I am not on this site very often!
If you would like you can e-mail me at dwright1@twcny.rr.com
By the way thanks for your service, AND WELCOME HOME
The wife and I will be in central Florida February and March. The both of us are retired plus our youngest works for the DISNEY company, we visit as often as possible.
THANKS
DOUG
Hello Kent,
This is the first I have been on the site for about a year. I do remember our first meeting it went something like this, Hi, I said, where are you heading? Your reply, where the HELL do you think I”m going, VIETNAM. right from the get go we were friends. The trip to Vung Tau(?) was interesting. I find out later the China Beach was near that location. What a life.
During the TET OFFENSIVE I was severly wounded and MEDI VACED to some aid station where I under went extensive surgery. GOD BLKESS or Nurses and Doctors and CORPMEN. Their combined efforts saved my ass.
Ever since that day my life has been lived to the fullest. You never know.
Came back to the stated via Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington< DC. Went back to school received a degree in electronica and all during that time I kept Budweiser working hard.
I met my wife, we have 5 children, all doling well. I worked for the Postal Service retiring after 35 years and we now travel as much as possible. Our children are living up and down the eastern sea board.
So that is my life so far in a nut shell.
Other that still have some flash backs, mt life has been relitively quiet.
f you do def to see this post my e-mailaddress is
dwright1@twcny.rr.com
Enjoy the day and "Welcome Home"!!!
Mr Winship,
I know CPT Richard Blume Advisory Team 91 who was in Vietnam from January 1967 to August 1968 he was my step father. W elived in Fayetteville, North Carolina . Give me a call sometime, I would loved to speak with you. (719) 231-6822.
John, my father was Maj George Green and he was the DSA for Team 91 from April ’68 until approx. Sept. ’68. Might you have known him?
As a 2nd Lt I was assigned to advisory team 91 in December of 69 under Col Raymond Fleigh Province Senior Advisor. Then assigned to MAT 3 in Ben Cat District. Major Domingo was the District Senior Advisor. He was replaced by Mjor Hoffman. The head of the team was 1st Lt Myles Carson with heavy weapons advisor SSG Diaz medic SFC Meyerhoffer and small weapons advisor Sgt. Fulsom who was in his third tour. Carson was replaced by Captain Lake who was wounded three times in the butt (all schrapnel from booby traps). Our compound (which we built) was south of BenCat by about 10K. All of the materials were scrounged from the 1st Infantry Division that was located near Ben Cat. I remember planning artillery fire with some of the liaison from the Big Red One. We had another compound east of there but the name escapes me. That compound was more active with several mortar attacks and several direct contacts that we had. In June of 70 I was rotated back to base camp as S4 for the entire province. As S4 I was able to meet all of the district advisors and some of their MATS members. Col. Fleigh would have us accompany him on helicopter flights on Sunday’s to all the outlying Districts. As I recall Tri Tam was the one with the most enemy activity. The only fatality that I recall on the mobile teams was a Sgt Todd in Tri Tam. Hats off to all of the professionals that gave of themselves to serve.
Bill, It’s Miles Karson. I was the 1 Lt when you came to the team.
Miles – Sorry for the misspelling. Bob Hathaway
Bill,
Where are you living.
Did you know Lt. Mike Arnovitz?????
hi miles like to talk to you, tele 1 413 424 7016 ma.
Just saw your post. I’ll call.
Miles,
Were you with my brother when he was killed?
I was with Mike on the night he died.
Miles,
I realize it has been 47 years, but if it is possible, could you please send me an email about what happened that night? My email address is ajarnovitz@gmail.com. (I am Mike’s youngest brother – I was 16 at the time.)
Mike’s son graduated from Ohio State and went on to became a Naval officer.
Thank you,
Tony Arnovitz
It has been many years and I have not shared the details of that night with anyone since then. I owe your family my best memory but would prefer to speak in person or by phone.
Miles,
I think I remember you. I was the DIOCC Intell Officer at Ben Cat from Sept ’69 to Septic ’70, under Maj Domingo and then Maj Hoffman.
I remember the mobile team consisted of a “Carson” and a guy named “Hudson”, who was from Texas.
Pardon sir…. Is it possible that the man named Hudson was from ILLINOIS and had the first name of Charles??????
Hi Sharee,
No, while I can’t remember his first name, I DO recall LT Hudson was from Texas. I met him sometime in 1970
Miles,
I’m Don Hagner. I was the DIOCC Intell Officer at Ben Cat from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70 under Maj Domingo and then Maj Hoffman. I think I remember meeting you a few times. I also remember an LT Hudson, I believe from Texas. Do you have contact info for him?
Don,
Hal Henry Hudson of Lubbock Texas is who you are referring to. He past away Several years ago. His obituary is on line.
Hi Miles!
Yes,
That definitely was the man I knew of. We didn’t know each other well, but I remember he was a very friendly guy. So sorry I didn’t get to meet him stateside and that he passed at a relatively young age.
Send me your e-mail so we can get it touch?
Mine is hagners3@comcast.net
Hello Don and all,
First visit to this board, and I’ve seen a few posts about my father.
My name is Hal H Hudson II, son of Lt. Hal Hudson from Earth, Texas who served with MAT Team 91 per a Bronze Star citation; action dated 17 November 1969. He passed away at 67 years of age. His experience in Vietnam took a few years from his life. The men who served on MAT Teams in Vietnam are REAL American HEROs. A very difficult assignment in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Thank you ALL for you service to our country. God Bless.
H. Hudson
Hello Miles,
My father is Hal H Hudson. See my post below. Thanks for your service to our country.
H. Hudson
Right! Col. Raymond Fleigh!
Hey Robert, Neal Woodland hear. I believe we were in country on tm 91 together. My email is nealwoodland@yahoo.com phone 865.389.8123. I was the Prov Engineer advisor, my Interpreters name was Barry. I only remember a few names, yours is one of them, hope to hear from you or others any time.
Don Hagner, 1LT
I was the Ben Cat Phoenix advisor from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70. My email is hagners3@comcast.net It occurs to me that perhaps we could organize an Advisory Team 91 reunion. Tell me what you fellows think. Please use my email
Hello. My name is Jacob chapman. My mom was sergeant Andrew Todds sister. I was only 9 years old when he parishes in July 1970. I am very proud of all our men who served in Vietnam and too this day wish I had a chance to meet my uncle. Both were orphans out of Alabama. I did meet her only other brother and spoke to him over his sisters death in 2002. He later passed in 2005. I would like to know more about Andrew as I have only heard small parts before mom died. Not sure if it rings a bell but if so please respond. The commander who wrote the letter to Andrews wife was Raymond Fleigh. My email is jake.chapman@weatherford.com. Thank you for your reading of this and God bless you and all the brave men who were there.
Robert Sgt Todd was my uncle. I never meet him I was 9 and only have his letter from Raymond Fleigh to my mom and his wife. He and my mom were from Alabama and grew up in a orphanage. I would love to hear about him if you could find it in your heart. I am so proud of him and only wish I could have meet him. My email is jake.chapman@weatherford.com. If you can talk about I would be very honored to listen. I hope this finds you and thank you for all you have done for this country. Jacob n chapman. Orange County California.
Robert,
I joined Team 91 in Sept ’69 as the Ben Cat DIOCC Intell Officer.
Robert,
I went to Ben Cat in Sept ’69 as the Phoenix advisor
Hello! My name is Sharee Hudson. I searching for information about my dad. He was Staff Sargeant Charles Hudson and I have a plaque that said was on the Binh Duong Advisory Team 91. He passed September 30 and up until a week or 2 before he passed, I knew virtually nothing about his life before I was born. (I had no idea that my dad was a real life bad ass)
ANYTHING anyone could remember or REALLY ANYTHING would be a HUGE help. Good bad or in between. Thank you!
john he’s the one that got killed takeing my place with 1/16 in long nguyen secret zone it still bothers me. he was my LT. and I was his ssg. bill phelps
ssg Phelps Do u remember LT Benard Jones , may have been a capt, worked with Viet kit, was killed in/ around aug 67
hi john I was in ben cat for 67 left to go with pru in chau thanh around November at the time I was working with 25th div. in the iron triangle with three of the pru and found the tunnel that went up both sides of the triangle even got lost in it with a chieu hoi . lost my lt. when he took my place with 1st div when I got stung by a scorpion and had a bad reaction, after that the major did’nt like me to much. even threw a award for me from 25th div. went back to the pru in 69-70.
Phil,
The only visits I made to the Ben Cat District HQS was landing at the helo pad. I do not remember the name of the 2LT who was the first PHOENIX Advisor, but was a passenger on the chopper that first landed him on the remote pad. I had been at Tri Tam for about one month and thought that I was an old hand as we left him looking very lost on the helo pad.
Our RTO at Tri Tam was PFC Meeker, call sign peptic dogma 50, who you probably called to clear artillery fires for our area.
During the first night of Tet ’68, we followed events on the Province Net and listened to transmissions from Ben Cat, Pho Hua Dong. etc….
As I remember, the PHOENIX 2LT and others at Ben Cat received Silver Stars for heroism in defending the compound. I hope that you were also properly recognized for your valor.
At Tri Tam District, the silence for the first night of TET ’68 was most surreal in listening to actions being reported on the Binh Duong Province net, watching attacks in the Saigon area via TV, and having complete quiet in Tri Tam.
However, we found that our District was a target for the second night of the attack as NVA /VC wounded were being transported toward Cambodia and supplies were moving via the Saigon River to Saigon. Our compound was partially overrun by the local VC forces on the second night and we had about 30 days of mortar attacks and small arms harassment to keep forces within the village of Dau Tieng, to allow the NVA/VC to move freely along the Saigon River and through the Michelin Rubber Plantation.
The Tri Tam PRU Team were sent to Ben Cat in about November 1967 for training. SSG Ralph Greist , from Tri Tam, could have visited Ben Cat at about that time. Do you remember SSG Greist?
T here was only 1 silver star , it went to capt Samuel Steward (kia), we all got vn cross of gallantry silver star.The US army will only give 1 medal for same action , my ssg got a bronze and i got ACM both with V. Although i served almost 8 months with inf , i was never as scared as i was that night in Ben Cat Sgt Gray was in same trench was killed and i was alone , nothing but VC all around me. Almost had me . Tanks from Lai Khe came in and saved my ass , and battle turned. Still pay for surving that night mentally. sgtv68@aol.com
John,
I still remember listening to the Province Radio net that night and wondering how anyone was to survive the attack on Ben Cat. Do you remember the name of the Phoenix Program 2LT?
No I don’t remember SSg Griest. A lot of times people would come and go I t hink I remember that Lt but cant or not sure of his name. As for surviving that night , im still shaking my head how I made it. When the tanks pulled in , lead tank shot a VC ready to grenade me but got hit before he could throw . Talk about close
Feb. 22,2015. I just came across this site today while writing a commentary about the movie, American Sniper, which I have not seen, and won’t see. I was in Saigon when Tet began at the end of January 1968. I was transported to Phu Loi for assignment to MACV Team 91 in Binh Duong Province. Col. Kitts was the SRC. I was rto to replace Sgt. Baden. I remember many of the names of personnel there. The day I arrived the compound had just been hit with Spooky fire in error, and we were put to work reinforcing the bunker, in anticipation of being attacked by VC that night. Fortunately, nothing happened that night. Capt. Osimo was the combat leader, and was on his third deployment. He was fluent in Vietnamese and loved by all the Ruff-Puff soldiers. If anyone recognized this period, I’d like to share post-VN stories.
John: I just came across this site. I left Binh Duong in March 1968 returned in Sept 1968 left in Sept 1969, returned in July 1970 after the career course left in March 1972. I was DSA in Ben Cat from August 1970 to March 1972 retired as a LTC in 1985. With my first tour in Vietnam as a SP4 in 1965 I had 5 tours in Nam. From 1967 to 1972 all in Binh Duong. PSA’s I served under were Col Rhotenberry, COL Kitts, COL Mundy, COL Fleigh (Twice), Col Chikalla. Thank you for your kind words. Drop me an email when you get a chance.
Do you happen to know when Team 91 was deactivated? It sounds like was about the time you left. I suppose they just turned over the Lam Son compound to local authorities.
Larry Gale Sp5 S-2 Feb 71-Dec71.
My dad was at binh duong in 68/67, I was wondering if you remember serving with him. His name was SSG Charles Hudson
69 not 67
Hi Ron, this is Ron Brand from Team 91, your radio operator. Thanks for saving my life a dozen times. I have been wonduring how you are. You are the greatest! Cell 215-313-6420 email is ron@expel1.com
Just found this website in VVA magazine! I served with Team 91 as an attached officer from the 2nd Civil Affairs Company out of Long Binh. I remember LTC Chikala, a real ‘bullet-head’ totally shaved and all the tact of a Prussian bull. I was a captain at the time on my second tour, 1st being in .67-68 with the 9th Inf Division. Went through Tet at Widows’ Village and Long Binh – major fight. Taught shool at night Mon. – Thur after duty hours back at my office in Phu Cuong city. There was a LT Bob Orsay (sp) who had worked for the guy who saved Chrysler Motors…call if interested, 512-657-2409
Brice H. Barnes
COL, US Army (Ret)
I was in Ben Cat sept 67 to dec 68, as an rto for 1st Div arty laison tm 24 , was there for the TET offensive in which we were overran. Does any one remember me john PHIL vessello sgtv68@aol.com
Hello Joel, it is your cousin Steve (Barbara’s son)… my son Mason was just in D.C. for a 7th grade school field trip. As part of getting ready for the trip, Mason and his class looked up your Dad’s name so that he could find it on the Wall. When they got to the Wall, Mason found his name and was able to make a rubbing with the help of his teacher (Mason was a bit too short to reach the name). His entire class walked by and were able to say thank you to him, and all of the other solders who lost their lives. His teacher said that it was the first time that any student had a direct connection to a solder on the Wall, and he said it was a very emotional thing to observe.
We were searching online to find out more information about your Dad (we just have a couple of pictures from my Mom) and came across this website. If you’d like to connect and talk more, feel free to get in touch at stevemosk@gmail.com.
All the best,
Steve & Mason
Hi Larry Thanks. My email is jsaliman@hotmail.com. I don’t know if we should discuss him here or not. Maybe more people that knew him may find us. What was his job? Wasn’t he a liaison to a village?
Did you know of any of the men he pulled from the burning APV?
Was his death a KIA that was buried for body count sake?
Yes, Capt Norman Saliman. I was his assistant on the Mobile Advisory Team. I was there the day he was injured. I found this page by accident while researching some other info from that time period. I will try to be as much help to you as I can be.
Hi Larry, I thought I replied but it doesn’t show clearly.
I was in country from July 71 until April 72
I was an rto in all 5 out post Ben cat, phu giao and tri tam.Iwas the radio operator when major Lawrence captain Wells sgt boulware and another were killed by a U shaped ambush by NVA regulars. I was the TOC operater that called in the gunships. Col. Gerald Chicalla was my Senior Advisor. Bill Lofgren was with me until August. A finer person as I have ever known. You may remember my dog( Kenny Rogers).
Hi John,
What time period were in Ben Cat. I was there in 69 -70 with 1st Div. Liaison Tm 24 2/33rd Arty. Also TOC operator among other things. Wonder if we knew any of the same people?
Kent,
I was the DIOCC Intell Officer at Ben Cat from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70. Served under Maj Domingo.
Must be getting old Specialist Brock – your name does not ring with me. I was at the Team 91 headquarters, hiding behind my Admin shield, a first Lt promoted to Captain while in country. I was there from August 71 to February 72. Worked with Maj. William Bailey, an A&M grad as I recall and, of course, Col Chikala (he never did talk me into going hunting with him). Also in the office was a Specialist Bane and a Sargent Jenkins and a wonderful staff of Vietnamese ladies who operated the radio and typed for us. Remember that there were three soldiers killed in an ambush in Tri Tam, a Major, a Captain, and a Sargent who was ready to go home the next day. Just beginning a search for their names. Byron Furseth
Found our associates who were killed. Maj. John Lawrence, Captain James Wells, and First Sargent George Boulware. They were killed on September 16, 1971. We honor them today, Memorial day, May 30, 2016.
Hello John, So you were with the team until April ’72? Were you at Lam Son near the end of your tour? Probably not too many people left on the team as I guess it was almost wound down by then. Was there a Franz Hoehne (sp?) on the team at that time? I saw this name on some correspondence I received in Feb ’72, but it wasn’t a name I recognized. I left in Dec. ’71. Do you know what happened to the VN employees that worked on Gosney Compound? Lots of questions about the wrap-up of the team if you have any answers. Thanks.
Larry Gale
Hey Brock: I just discovered this site. I do remember you from Team 91. I arrived in September 1971 as the replacement for SSG Boulware. I was the Phoenix/Phung Hoang Advisor. John
I was the DIOCC Advisor in Phu Khuong from Sep 1970 to Sep 1971. I met Major Lawrence in D.C. while I was attending the Intelligence Course at Ft. Holabird during the summer of 1970. I was introduced to him by LTC. Jim Bodine who was with DIA after his assignment BN CO of 4th Bn 62nd ADA at Ft. Bliss, TX. I was Battery CO of Battery A under LTC. Bodine. I believe Cpt. David Sparks was your predecessor as the DIOCC Advisor. Dave was my roommate wihen we were at Ft. Holabird. I visited Dave & Major Lawrence on a couple of occasions.
John: I was in the PIOCC in Phu Cuong but traveled to all DIOCCs in the province. I originally worked under Major Gaun in the PIOCC. I arrived in September and was transfered to the 525 MI Group in April 1972.
Hello John Swatosh. Please send me your photo of the interpreter? I wish to confirm that it was the same man I knew.
I have been trying to find out what my dad did. What MACV Folk?
Sorry, I was with the 1st Infantry Division (not MACV ), and on a liaison team attached to the MACV (Military Assistance Command Vietnam ) Advisory team 91 at Ben Cat. Our liaison team provided US artillery support for MACV team 91.
In general, the MACV Advisory team 91 at Ben Cat “advised” the Vietnamese Regional Force and Popular Force units in the Ben Cat Area. For a more specific job description your brother may have had, I suggested the MACV “folks” on the website are better to answer.
Thanks Kent.
Sorry again, I thought I was responding to another post. But the response still applies except it should say father instead of brother.
JSaliman,
I was the Assistant District Senior Advisor (ADSA) for Chau Thanh District from March 1968 until April 1968. If your father came into Chau Thanh district in April, 1969 then he was my replacement. As the Asst. District Senior Advisor I worked for then MAJ (Later LTC George L. (Pat) Quinn… a truly outstanding soldier and officer. My primary responsibility was conducting combat operations with Regional and Popular Forces in Chau Thanh District. Some of the Regional Forces were very good, brave and good soldiers. The Popular Forces were normally very poorly armed with older weapons but depending on the Villiage Chief they could be either be very good soldiers as well as brave and determined while others with a weak Village chief could be very dangerous to work with being very unreliable in a fight. Your father, if he was the Assistant District Senior Advisor, was also responsible for training Regional and Popular Forces in the District. Frequently, the ADSA also responsible for paying PRU forces (real green dollars that came in a mysterious brown envelope with the target list) and assigning targets and then verifying target elimination. Additionally, the ADSA also arranged for medical assistant teams to visit villages in the district to provide villagers with medical help and assistance. There was never any time when something was not being done or needed to be done. In Chau Thanh, as some of my former soldier comrads with attest to, there was always an opportunity for a fight in Ba Lua, Tan An Xa, Phu Chanh (Dog Leg Village), Thanh Phu Khanh (Cowboy Village) or on occasion they would send us out of the district up to Phouc Vinh and the rubber plantation. War Zone C was in our district and frequently we worked with the 1st Inf Div, and the 11th ACR to just name a few. We knew the terrain better than they did. In summary, your father performed in a position of great responsibility as did we all. You should be extremely proud of what he did. I have been a platoon leader, company commander and later on my second tour a Special Forces A Team Leader and Ranger Advisor. Of all these jobs, the most satisfying was serving with my team as an Advisor to Chau Thanh District.
Thanks Bill. It looks like he reported to US MilAsstCmd (SD5891) v/n on 1Nov68 to SrAd MATIII-2 IIICTZ(CI) after attending TDYUSARVAdvisory Sch on 10Oct68. DOES THAT PROVIDE YOU WITH Anymore direction or someone who may have serv ed with him?
Thanks
Yes, Capt Norman Saliman. I was his assistant on the Mobile Advisory Team. I was there the day he was injured. I found this page by accident while researching some other info from that time period. I will try to be as much help to you as I can be.
to kent, yes the lt. was tall and had a mustache and I do have pictures of him out on operation with the pru I’ve been trying to remember his name but just can’t
Hi Bill,
When did you leave Ben Cat? I think you were still there when I left.
hi kent I left to go to a mat team in 1970 down to the delta I think it was early part of the year I have to look at my records. You weren’t the radio operator there where you.
Kent,
You may have served with my brother – Lt Michael Arnovitz. He served from April 1969 until August 30, 1969 when he was killed on a dust-off operation. He did not have a mustache but he was a big guy with a unique smile and he wore glasses.
His son was born at the end of July while he was in Vietnam and I believe Maj. Domingo spoke at my brother’s service. Was Major Domingo killed?
I am trying to get an understanding of my brother’s unit and the job they had.
Thank you,
Anthony Arnovitz
Hello Anthony,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of you brother. I can’t say I remember meeting Lt Arnovitz , but it’s been 45 years. At various times personnel “rotated” in and out of Ben Cat for various operations….he may have been there for one of these.
As far as Major Domingo, he is not listed on the Wall, so I assume he got home Ok. The MACV folk might be able to help you on his job responsibilities.
Good luck on your research.
Kent
I knew your brother Michael at Infantry Officers Basic course at Ft. Benning, Ga in 1968. He showed me a picture of his family(wife as I recall) and was really proud of them.
We served in MAC-V, advisory team 91 in Binh Duong province about the same time frame but not close to each other.
Remember attending his memorial service. So sad.
I fly 20-30 small American flags in my front yard several times during the year to remember him and others.
He was a fine person.
Bill Lappin
RVN:1969-1970
Thank you. It is hard to believe how long ago that all was, but it seems like yesterday. Mike’s son was born while he was over there so he never got to see him. (His son grew up to become a Naval Officer.)
Anthony,
I worked for MAJ Domingo. He finished his tour in early 1970 and went home unscathed. I replaced a “LT LaPlante”
-Don Hagner
Ben Cat
Intell Officer Sep ’60-Sep’70
hi kent ssg bill phelps 1969 in ben cat with the pru been looking for anyone that was there same time. write back, thanks bill
Did you know a Lt Mike Arnovitz? (KIA 8/30/69)
Hi Bill,
Good to hear from you. I was at Ben Cat from March 69 – March 70. I knew a MACV SSG named named Bill…not sure if that was you. There were 3 2/33rd Arty LN TM 24 members during that time period at the MACV compound within the 5th ARVN base. Our main job was to coordinate US Arty fire from Lai Khi and fire bases in support to MACV operations and Ben Cat counter mortar fire
As I recall, in addition Maj. Domingo there were two other MACV officers, a Cpt. and a Lt. I have been trying to recall their names. I believe the the Lt. had a big black mustache and the Capt blond or light color hair.
When I got home, I was at Ft. Brag for 6 months…then out and home to Michigan. In 2002, I retired from Ford Motor after 33 years. I currently live with my wife near Ann Arbor Mi.
I pray everyone got home OK.
Welcome Home!!
Kent
Kent,
I was the DIOCC Intell Officer at Ben Cat from Sept ’69 to Sept ’70. The Sr Advisor was Maj Domingo and then Maj Hoffman
Did anyone here of a Captain who was burning tree stumps helping his men and his gas exploded burning him?
I was a sgt. with 1st Inf Div. 2/33rd arty liaison Tm 24. I served 69-70 with MACV Tm 91 in Ben Cat District Binh Duong Provance III. Major Anselmo R. Domingo was the District Senior Advisor during that time period.
There were two other MACV officers and two sgts. I can not recall the officers or sgt names. I believe on the the sgt first names was Bill. If anyone can help me with this or provide additional information, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much in advance!
Kent Wikarski
hi kent just came across your ad I was there that time period maj domingo, my name bill phelps ssg worked with the PRU mostly. catch me at phelpswilliam99@yahoo.com
I replaced a LT LaPlante in September ’69 at the Ben Cat DIOCC
Kent, I have an old order that show a SSG Robert L. Shawley and SFC Gearld L. Sherlock dates of service July 1969 to June 1970 on Adv Tm 91, III CTZ. Maybe these names are helpful to you. John
I was the DIOCC Phoenix officer at Ben Cat from Sept 1969 to Sept ’70.
I vaguely remember you, Kent Wikarski. Your predecessor was a Hawaiian guy.
When you get the chance, shoot me an e-mail at hagners3@comcast.net
Hi John,
Thanks for the input. I know SSG Bill Phelps was at Ben Cat during the time I was there. Several people rotated through at various times. So it possible the names you sent were there…just can’t them.
Thanks
Kent
Was one 1LT Mike Arnovitz? (KIA 08/30/69)
Hi Tont A.
Sorry, I don’t recall meeting 1LT Mike Arnovitz.
Just checking in, fellas. It has been awhile since I posted here. Please bring me up to speed on where you are and how life is treating you.
I’m so sorry you lost David and the promise of your lives together. If its any comfort after all these years David was had such a positive impacked on all of his team members and brought humor, and genuine compassion and humanity not only to us but to our Vietnamese counterparts. David was highly respested and loved by the South Vietnamese men and women, both military and civilian that he worked with during the short time he was with our team.
You may contact me directly at maryland296@gmail.com
Cheryl…For some reason I could not respond directly to your post but yes it was Capt. Ski. I was with him the day he was killed. He was a fine man, a great officer and I think of him all the time. If you are a relative and would like more info let me know.
Bill Lofgren
Bill, I was engaged to him and I think of him everyday! Cheryl
Captain Kucyznski, was my 2nd cousin, I was 5 when he was killed, great loss to the family. he inspired to me to join the army infantry 20 years later.
A fitting honor Captain Kuczynski, is laid to rest at Arlington I believe the neigboring memorial is the Challanger astronauts, he is buried near the US Maine memorial too not far from the ampththeathre
Today in 1969 my father Captain Norman Saliman was killed in Vietnam helping his men clear trees when he didn’t have to. If anybody in Mac V 91 knew my father or the men he pulled from a burning APC not sure when please let me know. In 1968 he was in HQ Co 2d Bn 504th Inf. Training for being the S2 officer.
Correction
Today in 1969 my father Captain Norman Saliman was killed in Vietnam helping his men clear trees when he didn’t have to. If anybody in Mac V 95 knew my father or the men he pulled from a burning APC not sure when please let me know. In 1968 he was in HQ Co 2d Bn 504th Inf. Training for being the S2 officer.
bill phelps here got a new email LT as follows phelpswilliam99@yahoo.com my computer went on the blink but should be okay this is for anybody but I can talk here also thanks bill
Yes, I do remember some…of course Doc Butterworth…a great medic and a good soldier. I had arrived in early April ’68 and was Asst. District Senior Advisor until moved to S-3 at Team headquarters. Spent most of my time with 794 RF Company working in Tan An Xa, Phu Chanh (dogleg village), Ba Lua and of course Binh Chuan and Hoa Loi. Could and did get into a fight most any day and time to any of these places. Great soldiers in 794 and good PF troops in Phu Loi and tough ones in Binh Chuan. It was a good if not “busy” tour of duty for me with some great soldiers at the Team…SFC Clemmie Brown, Sgt Lazenby, Sgt Tracey (my RTO) and enjoyed working with LTC Pat Quinn…a good leader. Times were tough and Chau Thanh seemed to receive its share of ground and mortar attacks (me and SSG Phelps were the first to fire the 50Cal from the Tower and I swore that I would never climb the ladder to the tower ever again when I was being shot at…not good…should have thought that one through more diligently. Anyway, answer some of your questions?
My father Capt. Norman Saliman was injured with 1st degree burns over 75% of his body then died in Japan when his gas can exploded while burning trees to clear the way for a new base because the VC were firing into the village and the chief asked to have the base moved. The army put it down as an accident where he men supposedly said it was a booby trap. Does anyone know of this incident?
hello LT very glad to hear from you good to see your still kicking, i’ll give you my email and if you want i’ll give you my phone #. email – phelps.william@yahoo.com, good hear from you hope we’ll talk
Bill Malone, Bill Phelps,
My name is Bill Lofgren, RTO/Rural Development NCO for Chau Thanh District tm from June-69 through Jan. 71. I was reassigned to Tri Tam after Chau Thanh Dist was combined with Lam Son base came and left country in Aug.71. Team sector house moved from Phu Cuong to Lam Son (next to Phu Loi base camp) in mid or late 1970.
I worked with such people as Maj. Jim Nation, Cpt.Johnson, Doc Butterworth, SGT. Webb, (spl) and others. There were two MATTS teams in our district which I can’t remember their names nor the people that were on the teams but I do have some pictures. I’ve been in contact off and on with Terry Maris who worked out of Ben Cat, 1970. My memory has not been kind to me over these last 40 years so as I’m writing this I don’t remember your names. They sound familiar. Does my name or the names I mentioned sound familiar. We worked with the PRU off and on in late 69-early1970’s. Lost our PYOPS officer, Special Forces Capt., in Oct.1969. This is turning into a book so let me know if any of this has rung some bells. Welcome home.
Bill Lofgren
Bill, was the PYOPS officer Capt. David e. Kuczynski, killed on 10/14/69?
lost my email got a new one, just looking for anyone I served with ssg bill phelps
Is there any way you would send that too me?
Matt,
I apologize, looks like I was mistaking 2Lt Wulffert “DOICC Lt” (also KIA Dec 23, 1967) with your uncle, Sgt Hugh Willard. I do have several pics of most of the lead element that was heavily involved that fateful day. I also have some detailed docs of the actions that same day. I’m assuming your uncle was functioning as “ICEX NCO” or “Sub Sector Intel NCO”.
Have you been in contact with Sharon Ridgewine, she has a nice letter from your uncle that he sent to her as she was a grade school pen pal?
My father, then Capt Tom Bullock, was adv Team 91, RF/PF Senior Training Center Advisor, Lai Thieu ’67 – ’68… we lost him to PTSD 17 Jan ’76… not being there that fateful December day weighed very heavy on my father. He once stated that he would have preferred to be there to have tried to make a difference or never left there and still be with true friends. Pretty sure that your uncle and my father spent some quality time together at the team house, in the field and elsewhere?
Stay in touch, we may be able to fill in some things together.
cbullo@me.com
Any one know 1Lt. Richard Michael Arnovitz. KIA 8/30/1969?
Thanks
don’t know jsilam sorry need more info.
Does anyone know Norman Saliman? I understand he pulled people from a burning APV? He was also helping his men burn tree stumps to move the village when he was killed.
ssg bill phelps ben cat 1967-68 chau thanh 1968-69 ben cat 1969-70 worked mostly with pru looking for anybody that worked with me or I with them
Well Hello SSG Phelps, this is Lt. Malone (as known then) and yes we worked together at Chau Thanh in 1968-1969. Most glad to hear that you are alive and hopefully well.
Bill Malone
Bill,
I took over as Senior Advisor of MAT 3-6 in Ben Cat in January 1970 and stayed until I returned to the States in July 1970. Let’s swap some stories and see if we can jar some memories loose.
Welcome home,
Terry
bill i think i remember you, i was with arty tm 24 in ben cat aug or sept 67 to dec 68
Anyone know of my uncle Sgt. Hugh Willard?
Matt, I may have a picture of your uncle while on patrol?
Is there anyway you could email that too me?
I served with hugh in Washington DC and met him In Binh Duong around Thanksgving. He was killed shortly there after. In Washington he had the desk right behind me..Mike Weeks
Mike, Is there any way I can get your email address? I’d like to talk with you.
Thanks
Ambush 1965 2nd BN 9th Reg 5th ARVN DIV. KiA CPT Voss,1LT Moody,SSG Eddie Smith and SGT Bruno July 1965. South of Tri Tam.
Hi Edward,
My name is J.C. Wilson, and I was SGT RTO at Binh Duong HQTS on that date and remember the incident. Damn-so many good men were lost that day. As I recall, the VC Commander sent a letter to the Vietnamese Commander that he was going to ” get his unit”. The artillery compound at Tri Tam was mortared to prevent giving support to the BN. Please correct me if I’m incorrect.
Your team use to stop by our compound for lunch when you were in the area.
Our team comprised of a CPT, SFC and myself, would go on operations with the Vietnamese 5th Vietnamese Inf Div, 5th Recon Co, and the PF.
Do you remember the first B52 strike in VN on the Iron Triange 18 June 1965? I do. On 17 June 1965, my Sector Sr. Advisor (I don’t recall his name) instructed me to contact our Team at Ben Cat at 0500 hrs. 18 June 1965, and transmit this msg, “Payday 0600”. The ground shock shortly thereafter.
I returned to VN Feb 1968-1969 as a SSG with six months at 2nd Field Force, then requested a transfer to 1st AVN BDE 3/17th Air Cav at Dian.
I got married when I returned to the states on 2/15/1969. About eight months later I was on orders to FT. McCellan, Al. for Chemical training and redeployment back to VN. My wife was not hearing of this, and I was discharged on 19 December 1969 because of a bad back. I’m totally disabled now and live in Oak Park, MI. My wife of 47 years passed away on 11 Oct 2015. We lost our only son at the age of 35 due to a heart attack 10 years ago.
Sure would like to communicate with you. I truly miss the time I spent in VN and the people I served with. My home # 248-967-1543 e-mail address is jcwilson1142@gmail.com.
Anybody know Capt Norman Saliman who was with the Adv Team 91? Wounded and died 3-1969?
I was the RTO for the team at Chau Than District from June 69 thru Jan. 71. Then was up in Tri Tam until June of 71. I left country in August of 71.
What I have read about the ambush of the team near the village just south of Dau Tieng seems to be a repeat of an ambush of an ARVN battalion that occurred in 1965.
Mon, our houseboy at Tri Tam, told me of the ambush along the same road that started with a mortar attack that forced the ARVNs into the kill zone along the road. Mon related that there were so many soldiers killed that the army had to use the big trucks from the Michelin Plantation to retrieve the dead.
I participated in a number of operations in and near that village in 1967 – 1968 and seemed to always have enemy contact.
Clark, I left a post above on the Ambush, the 2nd bn 9th was ambushed, all ARVN Officers and four Americans advisors were KIA,the other were either KIA or wia and captured. this was in July,in May 65 the 1st BN and 3rd BN were ambushed near Trung Lap Ranger training center. It was a bad year for the 9th Reg.
Lt Ed Morrow
Ranger Inf
I was with the team Jan 69 thru Aug 69
first on the PhouChong Bridge for 2 months
then up to hoiLou 1 ( sp ) to build a new fortification, school, and villlage hall.
we had an altercation with our counterparts and were in DogLeg village the next day June 69 till I rotated out
I was on numerous ops and ambushes in and around Dogleg Village and lost a dear friend and team member in Oct of 69 from a booby trap near that village. He was our PSYOPS, a young and promising Special Forces Capt. I left country in 1971 and Dogleg still was yet to be totally pacified…I don’t think it ever was.
Did you know my father Capt Norman Saliman or any one that may have?
Did you know my father Capt Norman Saliman or any one that may have?
I was the first Phoenix Advisor for Tri Tam District in September 1967. 2LT Clark Hunt
I was in Ben Cat sept 67 to dec 68, as an rto for 1st Div arty laison tm 24 , was there for the TET offensive in which we were overran. Does any one remember me john PHIL vessello sgtv68@aol.com
I was at HQ had a good friend – Doug Wright – I remember that night and the following saying good by to Doug.
SGT Winship: I received your email. However it went to bit heaven. I remember you very well. Please email me again with your phone contact number. I have some old pictures of us in Binh Duong. I saw LT Blume back in Fort Bragg, NC in the year 1976 while I was going to the Foreign Area Officers Course. He maybe still in the Fayetteville, NC area . I hope to hear from you soon. God Bless You.
I sent you another email but there must be problem – Winship.j@comcast.net – 269 985-8520 – look forward to talking with you. Thank you, Kent